Tokyo, Japan – Nintendo’s Switch has been a formidable force in the gaming industry since its launch in March 2017. In February, the company celebrated a milestone, announcing that over 139 million units of the Switch had been sold. The console’s popularity has only continued to soar since then, with sales projected to have comfortably surpassed 140 million units by now.
Recent reports, however, suggest that the Switch still has a ways to go before it can claim the title of the best-selling console of all time. Former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan revealed on a podcast that the PS2, which was in production until 2013, has sold a whopping 160 million units. This places the Switch roughly 20 million units behind in the race for the top spot.
Despite this significant gap, there is still hope for the Switch to catch up. With the console being on the market for over 7 years and potentially being offered as a budget option even after its successor is launched, reaching the 160 million mark is not entirely out of reach for Nintendo.
It is important to note the longevity of the PS2, which had a remarkable 13-year production run. In comparison, the Switch has been available for a shorter period, but its ongoing popularity and potential for continued sales could propel it towards surpassing the PS2’s record.
While the outcome of this competition may not have a significant impact on Nintendo as a company, achieving the status of the best-selling console of all time would certainly be a monumental achievement. After the less successful run of the Wii U, this milestone would be a testament to the enduring appeal and success of the Switch in the gaming market.