Nintendo Switch 2 Sells 5.8 Million Units, Outpaces Original Console

The Nintendo Switch 2 has quickly established itself as a major success, breaking sales records in Japan and outperforming its predecessor in key markets like Europe and the United States, where it has sold over 1.6 million units, surpassing the PlayStation 4's launch record. Globally, over 5.8 million units have been sold since its release, with Nintendo aiming for 15 million units by March 2026, a milestone that would make it the fastest-selling console in the company's history and significantly boost revenues and profits. The Switch 2 offers a fully portable, self-contained gaming experience with native game rendering, nearly zero input lag, and compatibility with original Switch software, while competing devices like Sony's PlayStation Portal act as streaming companions reliant on a home console or cloud connection. Looking ahead, Sony is developing a new PlayStation handheld, codenamed 'Cannis,' expected to launch around late 2027 or early 2028, featuring an AMD chipset that delivers roughly half the power of a PS5 but improved ray tracing and efficiency, positioning it competitively against the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. This upcoming PlayStation handheld aims for a $400-$500 price point and a compact design targeting gaming on the go, signaling a strategic push to challenge Nintendo's dominance in the portable console market. Meanwhile, Nintendo is ramping up production to meet persistent high demand for the Switch 2 and its popular game titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza.