The Nintendo Switch 2 is the fastest-selling console in history. At least, it is in Japan.
According to data from Japanese publication Famitsu, as detailed by publication Yomiuri, (thanks, VGC), the Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over 1.5 million units since its release on June 5, 2025. Not only is this number three times higher than the original Switch sales in the same timeframe, but it also surpasses the sales of the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation 2. Famitsu compiled this data from nearly 3,000 stores around Japan.
Nintendo Switch 2 already broke a sales record at launch, moving over 3.5 million units globally in just four days.
How Do Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Compare to Other Consoles?
These numbers are especially notable as the PlayStation 2, the DS, and the Switch are the top three selling game consoles of all time, with 160.63 million, 154.02 million, and 152.12 million units sold, respectively. The Switch 2 has a great head-start toward beating those all-time records.
Of course, the PlayStation 2 sold as many units largely due to its DVD player. The console was the cheapest way to get a DVD player back in 2000, making it quite appealing to families at the time.
This isn’t to undermine the other consoles, however. In fact, it makes their success even more impressive, considering they sold nearly as much despite being dedicated gaming hardware without that universal DVD feature.
A Switch Shortage
Unfortunately for some, these sales are resulting in a Switch 2 shortage, making it nearly impossible for some gamers to get their hands on the exciting new hardware.
Of course, Nintendo is aware of this, and President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that the company “will prepare our production and supply systems and strive to deliver as much as possible” at a shareholder meeting in June.
Mario Kart World Delivers
These sales are, no doubt, due in part to Mario Kart World launching with the hardware.
World is a sequel to the fifth top-selling game of all time, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Originally launched on the Wii U, Deluxe is the Switch port of Mario Kart 8, which has sold 76.6 million units as of this writing.
While World’s gameplay changes have caused some controversy, notably due to its lack of open-world activities, playing it is still a great time. It will surely match Mario Kart 8’s sales over time, as Nintendo undoubtedly has a long-term DLC plan in place to maintain its popularity.
Nintendo is even promoting World in its free-to-play mobile game, Mario Kart Tour. The mobile racer is getting a free World-themed update tomorrow, which brings four new Karts and two new costumes.
