Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2, has exploded onto the scene, setting unprecedented sales records in the United States and worldwide during its highly anticipated launch. The new system’s debut signals a massive wave of consumer demand and redefines what a successful console launch looks like.
Record-Breaking US Launch Performance
According to industry data from Circana (formerly NPD), the Nintendo Switch 2 sold over 1.1 million units in the United States within its first three days on the market, covering the week ending June 7, 2025. This impressive figure reportedly excludes sales made directly through the My Nintendo Store.
This initial sales surge wasn’t just strong – it set an all-time record for video game hardware launch week unit sales in the US. The previous record holder, the PlayStation 4, achieved its benchmark over a longer period (its first month), as weekly tracking wasn’t standard at the time of its 2013 release. The Switch 2’s performance within just a few days highlights the immense pent-up demand. Industry analysts project that the total US sales for the console’s full first week could reach between 1.3 to 1.35 million units once all channels are accounted for, solidifying its historic debut.
The significance of this record is further amplified when viewed against the broader market trends observed in the preceding year. While the overall US video game market saw a slight decline in 2024, particularly in hardware sales for aging consoles like the original Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S which were considered past their peak, the Switch 2’s launch demonstrates a powerful reversal of that trend for new hardware.
Global Success Story
The record-breaking performance wasn’t limited to the US. Nintendo confirmed earlier in the launch week that the Switch 2 achieved the highest worldwide sales level for any Nintendo hardware in its first four days. The console surpassed 3.5 million units sold globally during this initial period, cementing its status as Nintendo’s fastest-selling console launch ever on a global scale.
Top-Selling Launch Titles Revealed
Hardware sales were significantly bolstered by strong software attachment rates. Analyzing physical game sales in the US during the launch week provides a clear picture of player preferences:
- Mario Kart World: Took the top spot comfortably. A remarkable 79 percent of US Nintendo Switch 2 buyers also purchased this title at launch, either physically or as part of a hardware bundle. This high attach rate underscores Mario Kart World‘s critical role in driving initial console sales.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: Secured the second position, showcasing the demand for major third-party titles on the new platform.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Came in third, indicating continued interest in remastered or enhanced versions of beloved titles for the new hardware.
The extraordinary launch sales of the Nintendo Switch 2, both in the US and globally, mark a pivotal moment in the gaming industry and set a formidable benchmark for future console releases.
