The Nintendo Switch Refuses To Retire, And The PS2 Should Probably Be Nervous
The Nintendo Switch continues to solidify its status as one of gaming’s most successful consoles, with lifetime sales reaching 155.92 million units as of March 31, 2026. This achievement makes it Nintendo’s best-selling console ever, surpassing the Nintendo DS’s 154.02 million units. However, the Switch remains just short of the all-time record held by Sony’s PlayStation 2, which stands at 160 million units sold—a gap of only 4.08 million units.
Despite being tantalizingly close to the PS2’s legendary milestone, the Switch faces significant headwinds that likely prevent it from claiming the all-time record. Nintendo forecasted just 2 million additional Switch sales for the coming fiscal year, with actual sales in the latest period declining to 3.86 million units, reflecting a substantial slowdown from peak sales years. This trajectory suggests the console’s commercial momentum is waning considerably.
Price increases are further dampening the Switch’s prospects. The Switch OLED model received a $50 price hike in the United States, with similar increases announced in other regions. These adjustments come as the console enters its seventh year on the market, a critical period when aging hardware typically sees reduced consumer interest.
Meanwhile, Nintendo’s successor, the Switch 2, has demonstrated tremendous success with 19.86 million units sold within its first six months. This strong launch indicates Nintendo’s focus is shifting toward newer hardware, suggesting the original Switch will receive decreasing support and marketing attention going forward, further limiting its chances of reaching the PlayStation 2’s throne.