Nintendo Switch 2 Sets New Records
Nintendo has taken the gaming world by storm once again! The realm of console launches has a new champion, with the Nintendo Switch 2 breaking records in its first week. It sold a staggering 1.1 million units in the US, dethroning the PlayStation 4 and claiming the title for the biggest launch week of any game hardware in US history.
In a remarkable display of brand loyalty, nearly 80% of buyers also snagged Mario Kart World, whether as a standalone purchase or bundled with the console. This highlights how integral Mario has become to Nintendo’s offerings.
According to Circana data, the best-selling physical games during the launch week were Mario Kart World, alongside heavyweights like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. This lineup shows that Nintendo’s strategy of bundling great titles with its hardware is paying off big time.
Global Phenomenon
The success hasn’t been limited to the US. In Japan, the Switch 2 has also made a huge impact, with nearly 948,000 units sold in its first four days, based on Famitsu data. This number could easily surpass 1 million when sales from Nintendo’s My Nintendo Store are factored in, marking a monumental launch in the region.
Historically, the fastest-selling console in Japan was the PlayStation 2, which moved just over 630,000 units during its launch period. The records set by Switch 2 make it clear that Nintendo has hit a sweet spot with gamers.
Globally, Nintendo reported that Switch 2 amassed 3.5 million unit sales in just its first four days, making it the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever. In contrast, the PlayStation 5 shipped 3.4 million units over its first four weeks but faced notable stock shortages that hindered its performance.
This phenomenal start puts Nintendo in a prime position to reachâ€â€if not exceedâ€â€its ambitious target of 15 million units sold in its first business year. Analysts are already speculating this new console will outpace these expectations, setting a new standard in the gaming industry.