According to IGN, Nintendo Switch 2 has sold an astonishing 10.36 million units in just six months, continuing its streak as the biggest console launch of all time. The company raised its hardware forecast for the year and now expects to sell 19 million Switch 2 units before March 2026. Mario Kart World, the flagship launch title, has sold 9.57 million copies with 8.1 million coming from console bundles. Donkey Kong Bananza moved 3.49 million units since July, while Pokémon Legends Z-A sold 5.8 million copies in its first week alone. Meanwhile, the original Switch sits at 154 million lifetime sales, just 10,000 units away from overtaking the Nintendo DS.
Record-Breaking Momentum
These numbers are absolutely staggering when you put them in context. The Switch 2 has doubled the original Switch’s launch sales of 4.7 million units and even outpaced the PlayStation 5’s 7.8 million despite that console being heavily supply-constrained. What’s really impressive is that Nintendo is achieving this without the same stock issues that plagued other console launches. They’ve basically nailed the supply chain while creating overwhelming demand.
<h2 id="software-driving-hardware“>Software Driving Hardware
The game sales tell an equally compelling story. Mario Kart World approaching 10 million copies sold in six months is just insane – and the fact that over a million people paid $80 separately for it shows how strong that franchise remains. But here’s the thing: Nintendo isn’t just relying on one killer app. Donkey Kong Bananza’s 3.49 million and Pokémon’s explosive 5.8 million week-one sales demonstrate they’ve got multiple system-sellers firing simultaneously. This isn’t a one-trick pony situation.
Original Switch’s Legacy Run
While everyone’s focused on the new hotness, the original Switch is quietly approaching legendary status. At 154 million units, it’s about to pass the Nintendo DS and could potentially challenge the PlayStation 2’s throne. Nintendo’s forecasting 156 million by March 2026, which would put it just shy of the PS2’s record. But honestly, who’s still buying original Switches at this point? Apparently 1.37 million people who still needed Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, somehow.
What This Means Going Forward
Nintendo has basically executed the perfect console transition. They’ve maintained momentum with the aging Switch while launching its successor to record-breaking numbers. The real test will be whether they can sustain this pace beyond the initial launch window. With industry analysts watching closely, the pressure is on to keep the software pipeline strong. But given these numbers, it’s hard to bet against Nintendo right now. They’re playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.
