Nintendo's Switch Edges Past DS to Claim Top Sales Spot, With PS2 in Sights

Nintendo's original Switch console has officially become the company's best-selling hardware of all time. As of December 31, 2025, lifetime sales reached 155.37 million units, narrowly surpassing the Nintendo DS, which sold 154.02 million during its lifespan. The milestone was confirmed in the company's latest earnings report.

Remarkably, the eight-year-old Switch continues to find buyers, moving 1.36 million units in the last quarter despite the arrival of its successor. Its accessible price point keeps it relevant. The console now sets its sights on a bigger target: Sony's PlayStation 2, the all-time industry leader. To catch the PS2's roughly 160 million units, Nintendo would need to sustain Switch sales for several more years.

All eyes, however, are on the Switch 2. The new system is proving to be a phenomenon, described by Nintendo as its fastest-selling dedicated platform ever. Holiday sales of 7.01 million units propelled its lifetime total to 17.37 million for the fiscal year. The company has already shattered its initial 2025 sales forecast and is on track to meet an upgraded goal of 19 million units by March.

Software is driving the momentum. "Mario Kart World" has sold 14 million copies since the Switch 2 launch, with "Donkey Kong Bananza" at 4.25 million. For the quarter, Nintendo posted sales of 803.32 billion yen ($5.2 billion) and a profit of 159.93 billion yen ($1.03 billion).

The question now is whether this pace can hold. Nintendo's upcoming slate, including "Mario Tennis Fever" in February and "Pokemon Pokopia" in March, will be critical to maintaining the Switch 2's record-breaking trajectory.