Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record for console launches in Japan, surpassing both the PlayStation 2 and the original Switch, according to data from Famitsu.
Nintendo is making headlines again, and this time it’s for something truly historic. Earlier this month, Nintendo officially launched the Switch 2, the next-generation console that builds on everything fans loved about the original. The company has confirmed that the Switch 2 sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days, making it the fastest-selling hardware launch in Nintendo’s history.
The response to the Switch 2 has been nothing short of overwhelming. The demand has been so high that retailers in many regions had to limit purchases to one per customer. But even with that high demand, Nintendo did a pretty good job keeping the console units in stock. This early success set the stage for some impressive sales numbers, but the latest figures from Japan have truly raised the bar.
Switch 2’s Record-Breaking Launch in Japan, According to Famitsu
New hardware sales data shared by Famitsu, the well-known Japanese publication, shows just how strong the Switch 2’s launch was in its home country. According to Famitsu, the Nintendo Switch 2 sold a staggering 947,931 units in Japan during its first week alone. It’s important to note that this number doesn’t even include sales from Nintendo’s own online store, meaning the real total could be even higher.
What makes these numbers even more impressive is the context. The previous record holder for a console launch in Japan was the PlayStation 2, which sold 630,552 units in its first week, followed by the Game Boy Advance with 611,504 units sold.
Nintendo DS sold 468,880 units, and the original Nintendo Switch sold 330,637 units in its debut week back in 2017. The Switch 2 has easily outpaced both of these legendary launches, making it the most successful console debut Japan has ever seen.
Here’s a full breakdown of last week’s hardware sales in Japan, according to Famitsu:
- Switch 2: 947,931
- PlayStation 5: 14,535
- Switch OLED: 8,040
- Switch Lite: 6,089
- PlayStation 5 Pro: 4,230
- Switch (original): 2,482
- PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: 2,017
- Xbox Series S: 163
- Xbox Series X: 113
- Xbox Series X Digital Edition: 57
- PlayStation 4: 24
On the software side, the top seller was Mario Kart World for Switch 2, which sold 782,566 copies in its debut week. Meanwhile, in the UK, the Switch 2 also achieved Nintendo’s biggest ever console launch in the region, even though it still landed behind PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series launches in overall first-week numbers.
With the Switch 2 off to such a powerful start, it’ll be interesting to see how Nintendo keeps up this momentum. What do you think of these record-breaking numbers? Are you planning to pick up a Switch 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
