The Nintendo Switch has officially surpassed 150 million units sold worldwide, marking a historic milestone for Nintendo and putting it just 10 million units away from overtaking the PlayStation 2 (160M units) as the best-selling console of all time.
Since its launch in March 2017, the Switch has been a phenomenon, blending handheld and home console gaming in a way that has resonated with millions of players across the globe. Now, as we approach the final stretch of its lifecycle, the question remains: Can it surpass the legendary PlayStation 2?
How the Nintendo Switch Achieved 150 Million Sales
The Switch’s success is due to several key factors:
1. A Hybrid Console That Changed the Industry
- The Switch’s versatility as both a handheld and a home console has been a major selling point.
- Unlike traditional consoles, it caters to casual and hardcore gamers alike, making it a perfect fit for families, commuters, and competitive players.
2. A Blockbuster Game Library
- Nintendo has released some of the highest-rated games ever, including:
- 🎮 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom
- 🏎️ Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (the best-selling Switch game at 60M+ copies)
- 🏡 Animal Crossing: New Horizons (a pandemic-era sensation)
- 🍄 Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and more.
- The continued support from third-party developers and indie studios has kept the Switch relevant even in 2025.
3. Longevity & Multiple Hardware Variants
- Nintendo extended the console’s lifespan by releasing:
- Switch Lite (2019) – A budget-friendly, handheld-only version.
- Switch OLED (2021) – Featuring a bigger, more vibrant screen and improved speakers.
- These variations brought new audiences into the ecosystem, pushing sales even further.
4. Global Appeal & Affordability
- The Switch has remained affordable compared to PlayStation and Xbox consoles, making it an easier purchase for families.
- Its wide appeal spans across regions, from Japan to North America and Europe, keeping sales consistently strong.
Will the Switch Beat the PS2’s Record?
The PlayStation 2, released in 2000, still holds the record for the best-selling console of all time with 160 million units sold. However, with the Switch only 10 million units behind, it’s entirely possible that it could surpass the PS2 before the Switch 2 launches.
Challenges to Beating the PS2
❌ Switch sales are slowing – Nintendo has reported a 30% decline in sales year-over-year as demand cools.
❌ The Switch 2 is on the horizon – A next-gen Nintendo console is expected in 2025, which could shift consumer focus away from the current Switch.
❌ No major game releases in 2025 (yet) – While the Switch has had an incredible lineup, Nintendo needs at least one more blockbuster to push final sales past the PS2.
Reasons Why It Might Still Overtake PS2
✅ Switch is still selling – Even in a declining year, millions of units are still being bought worldwide.
✅ A price cut or final hardware revision could boost sales.
✅ Holiday 2025 sales could push it over the top – If Nintendo discounts the Switch while promoting the Switch 2, it could surpass the PS2 before the end of 2025.
