Nintendo Switch 2 just had the biggest UK launch in Nintendo’s history, but it couldn’t beat the PS5 or Xbox Series in early sales, a new report reveals.
The Nintendo Switch 2 officially hit store shelves worldwide on June 5, and as expected, fans rushed to pick up the long-awaited follow-up to one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles. Launch-day energy was massive, with major retailers hosting midnight openings, and longtime Nintendo fans lining up in crowds that brought back memories of Wii and DS launches from years past.
There was no shortage of excitement leading up to launch, either. From early leaks about faster hardware and a new screen to the new Mario Kart World, players have been watching this console closely for months. The online chatter reached a high point when Nintendo officially confirmed the June 5 date, and now we’re seeing what that hype has turned into.
Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Numbers
According to a new report from journalist Christopher Dring of The Game Business, the Switch 2 is Nintendo’s biggest console launch ever in the UK. Data from NielsenIQ shows that it outsold every other Nintendo launch in the region, including the Nintendo Switch (2017) and even the Nintendo 3DS (2010), which previously held the company’s record.
To put things into perspective:
- The original Switch sold around 80,000 units at UK launch
- The 3DS hit roughly 113,000 units
- The Switch 2 more than doubled the Switch 1’s launch numbers in the region
But despite these massive numbers, it still wasn’t enough to claim the top spot overall. In fact, when you compare it to all console launches in the UK (excluding handhelds), the Switch 2 lands in fourth place — behind PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X and S.
Check out the top-10 best-selling console launches in the UK below: (handhelds excluded)
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PlayStation 3
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Wii
- Nintendo Switch
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One X
This continues a pattern seen in the UK market for years. While Nintendo dominates globally, the original Switch was the best-selling console in the world for eight straight years, the UK has traditionally leaned more toward PlayStation and Xbox.
Rumors have also played a part in fueling excitement. Reports suggest that Switch 2 is getting a port for major titles like Red Dead Redemption 2. None of these are confirmed yet, but the system’s strong launch has only raised expectations.
What do you think of the Switch 2’s launch numbers? Are you surprised it didn’t top PS5 or Xbox Series in the UK? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
