During its first week, the Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new benchmark in Japan by becoming the fastest-selling console in the country’s history. Sales data covering just four days reveals nearly one million units sold, a milestone that speaks volumes about its demand.
Famitsu reported that 947,931 Switch 2 consoles were sold in the first four days after launch. This number likely excludes sales from Nintendo’s own My Nintendo Store. Adding those in, the figure probably clears the 1 million mark, which is quite remarkable.
To put this into perspective, the previous record-holder was the PlayStation 2, which sold just over 630,000 units in its first week according to Game Data Library. Other notable launches include the Game Boy Advance at 611,000 and the Nintendo DS at just over 468,000 units. The original Nintendo Switch sold 330,637 units in its debut week, almost three times less than Switch 2 has managed.
Wow, that’s quite a leap! Nintendo’s stronghold in Japan’s gaming market is well-known, with sales charts dominating for 20 years straight. The original Switch is also Japan’s best-selling console, with over 35 million units sold, edging out the Nintendo DS’s 33 million.
Five Switch 2 games entered the top ten software charts during launch week. Mario Kart World led the pack with 782,566 copies sold, indicating an attach rate of 82% for the console, not counting digital sales. Other titles like Rune Factor, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut also showed strong.
Earlier announcements noted that globally, Switch 2 sold 3.5 million units in four days, making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling system ever and likely the biggest console launch worldwide. To compare, the PlayStation 5 shipped 3.4 million units in its first four weeks, though supply shortages affected its availability.
This strong start should help Nintendo reach or even surpass its 15 million Switch 2 sales target in the first business year, which many analysts believe is achievable.
Switch 2 launched on June 5 alongside Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and enhanced editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, specifically for the new system.
