The Switch Dethrones the DS: Nintendo’s New King and the Race for the PS2’s Crown
The Bottom Line: Nintendo has officially crowned a new hardware king. As of December 31, 2025, the Nintendo Switch has reached 155.37 million units sold, finally eclipsing the legendary DS (154.02m) to become the company’s best-selling platform of all time. With the Switch 2 simultaneously shattering records as the fastest-selling Nintendo launch in history, the "Big N" has successfully avoided the generational slump that previously plagued them during the Wii-to-Wii U transition.
We’ve seen Nintendo at its peaks and its valleys. Many of us remember the skepticism when the Switch first launched—critics wondered if a "hybrid" could survive against the raw power of the PS4 era. Eight years later, that skepticism looks like a joke. The Switch isn't just a success; it’s a juggernaut that is now only 4.63 million units away from unseating the PlayStation 2 as the best-selling console in history. Our analysis suggests that with the Switch 2 now on shelves, the original Switch will likely rely on a price cut or a "legacy" marketing push to cross that final PS2 finish line.
The Hardware Hierarchy: By the Numbers
Nintendo’s latest financial report for the first nine months of FY2026 paints a clear picture of a market in transition. While the original Switch added 3.25 million units to its tally, the momentum has clearly shifted to its successor.
| Console | Units Sold (Lifetime) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | 160.00m | All-Time Record Holder |
| Nintendo Switch | 155.37m | #1 Nintendo Console |
| Nintendo DS | 154.02m | Previous Nintendo Record |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 17.37m | Launched June 2025 |
The Switch 2 Explosion: Software is King
The Switch 2’s "good start" is an understatement. Shifting 17.37 million units since June is a massive flex. In our view, this success is almost entirely driven by an ironclad launch-year software lineup. Nintendo didn't repeat the mistakes of the 3DS or Wii U launches where the "killer app" was missing at the jump.
Mario Kart World is currently carrying the platform with 14.03 million units sold. That’s a nearly 80% attach rate. If you bought a Switch 2, you bought Mario Kart. It’s that simple. We’re also seeing strong legs from legacy-style titles:
- Donkey Kong Bananza: 4.25m units (Proof that the DK drought was a mistake).
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Switch 2 Edition): 3.89m units.
- Kirby Air Riders: 1.76m units (A cult-classic revival that actually found its audience).
The Road Ahead: Can Mario Tennis Fever Maintain Momentum?
Looking at the Q1 2026 calendar, Nintendo is leaning into its "B-Tier" franchises to keep the install base engaged. Mario Tennis Fever drops in February with a massive 38-character roster. While the inclusion of "Mario Babies" as an adventure mode hook feels a bit gimmicky, the sheer volume of content suggests Nintendo is prioritizing "live service" longevity for their sports titles.
Following that, Pokémon Pokopia in March will be the true test of the Switch 2’s mid-cycle strength. We believe the hardware's success is no longer in question; the real intrigue is whether Nintendo can keep this "fastest-selling" pace once the initial enthusiast wave subsides. They’ve conquered their own history by beating the DS—now, they’re hunting Sony’s ghost.