Switch 2 worldwide sales top 26.35 million, Switch tops 157.20 million

Nintendo has released updated worldwide sales figures as of September 2026, revealing that the original Switch console has reached total sales of 157.20 million units. Simultaneously, the newer Switch 2 hardware has achieved worldwide sales topping 26.35 million units. These figures provide a comprehensive look at the current state of Nintendo's hardware ecosystem during the transition between console generations. The reporting highlights a significant gap between the legacy hardware and the successor, though both continue to maintain a presence in the global market. Coverage from Gematsu focuses specifically on the numerical milestones, detailing the 157.20 million units for the original system and the 26.35 million units for the Switch 2.

Meanwhile, The Verge emphasizes a discrepancy in performance, reporting that game sales are currently offsetting what the outlet describes as weaker demand for the Switch 2 hardware. This indicates that while the console is selling, the software side of the business is providing critical financial support. Nintendo Life contributes further context by detailing the best-selling games for both the Switch 1 and Switch 2 platforms as of the September 2026 cutoff. To understand why these figures matter, one must look at the lifecycle of the Nintendo Switch. The original console's reach of 157.20 million units establishes it as a dominant force in gaming history.

The current trend suggests a transition period where the established user base of the first system remains vast, while the second system works to build its own momentum. The interplay between hardware sales and software performance is a key metric for the company, especially as The Verge notes that the demand for the new hardware has not yet matched expectations, making software titles the primary driver of revenue. Future developments to monitor include the updated lists of best-selling games for both consoles, as discussed by Nintendo Life. Industry observers will be watching to see if the hardware demand for the Switch 2 improves or if the reliance on software sales continues to offset the weaker hardware figures mentioned by The Verge. Because the current data reflects totals as of September 2026, subsequent reports will likely reveal if the Switch 2 can accelerate its growth toward the milestones set by its predecessor.