In a monumental moment, the Nintendo Switch has claimed the title of the top Nintendo console in the United States, surpassing the lifetime sales of the beloved Wii after a six-year journey. The Nintendo Switch’s ascent to glory has been a remarkable feat.
US Domination
The Nintendo Switch previously achieved a significant milestone back in February 2022 when it outperformed the Wii in global sales. Fast forward over a year later, and the Nintendo Switch has secured its position as the third-best-selling console in the United States. This remarkable achievement was confirmed by a report from US market analyst group Circana (formerly NPD) via GamesIndustry.biz, dated July 2023.
A Quest for the Top Spot
The Nintendo Switch’s remarkable journey is far from over, and there is a strong possibility that it may eventually become the best-selling console overall in the US. Circana reports, “Switch lifetime sales now trail Xbox 360 by less than one million units, and PlayStation 2 by fewer than five million.” The throne of the US console market is within reach.
Key Contributors
This historic feat owes much of its success to the overwhelming popularity of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Tears of the Kingdom, in particular, has taken the gaming world by storm, selling an astounding four million copies in the first three days in the US alone. Globally, the beloved Zelda sequel has tallied more than 18.51 million copies sold since its release in May.
Shattering Records
In a remarkable display of longevity, the Nintendo Switch set a new record for copies sold in a single year in 2023, surpassing the high bar it set on its release in 2017. The console has continued to captivate gamers worldwide.
Japanese Dominance
While the Nintendo Switch has triumphed globally, it has particularly flourished in Japan. In 2022, it outsold competitors with a staggering 4.8 million units compared to the PS5’s 1.15 million. However, the future remains uncertain, as hints of a Nintendo Switch 2 have surfaced from Nintendo executives, leaving fans wondering if this beloved console’s days are numbered.
In the world of gaming, the Nintendo Switch has etched its name in history. As it vies for the top spot in the US, it leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of gamers and sets the stage for what could be an exciting future in the world of Nintendo.
