Nintendo Switch is now the 2nd-bestselling console

• Key Takeaways:
• The Nintendo Switch family is now the second-bestselling game console of all time, behind only the PlayStation 2.
• Nintendo’s follow-up, Switch 2, has already outsold the Wii U and is on track to overtake the GameCube.
• The milestone underscores Nintendo’s sustained hardware success and gives the company leverage with developers and retailers.
• Expect continued attention on Switch 2 software releases, supply, and how quickly it can close the gap with GameCube.

What happened

Nintendo’s hybrid console line — the original Switch and its successor — has reached a major milestone: it is now the second-bestselling game console in history, with only Sony’s PlayStation 2 ahead of it.

Separately, the new Switch 2 model has already surpassed the Wii U in lifetime sales and is reportedly edging toward the GameCube’s totals. That combination of long-term strength and early follow-up momentum is the key story.

Why this matters

Reaching No. 2 on the all-time sales chart is a rare achievement in a market shaped by fast hardware cycles and fierce competition from Sony and Microsoft.

For Nintendo, the ranking reinforces the company’s unique approach — a mix of first-party franchises, accessible hardware design, and a hybrid form factor that has extended the platform’s lifespan.

For developers and publishers, a larger install base makes the platform more attractive for new releases and post-launch support. Retailers and accessory makers also stand to benefit from the bigger audience.

What the Switch 2’s progress means

Switch 2 clearing the Wii U’s lifetime sales already signals that Nintendo’s follow-up hardware is gaining traction. Being “on the way” to overtaking the GameCube suggests steady sales momentum rather than a short-term spike.

That trajectory matters for Nintendo’s roadmap: faster adoption can justify higher third-party engagement, more ambitious first-party projects, and stronger bargaining power in distribution and partnerships.

What to watch next

Look for how Nintendo and third parties schedule major releases and marketing around Switch 2 to widen the lead over legacy consoles. Supply and retail availability will also be crucial to converting interest into additional sales.

Finally, software performance — both new exclusives and ports — will determine whether Switch 2 can clear the GameCube mark and challenge the very top of the all-time list in the years ahead.