Switch sales are edging toward a historic milestone. Nintendo’s hybrid system is now just behind the DS, one of the company’s most successful consoles ever. With momentum still carrying into Switch 2’s arrival, the DS crown is within reach.
Switch sales near legendary DS totals
Nintendo revealed that global Switch sales are only a few million units shy of the DS lifetime record. That puts the hybrid console on track to become the best‑selling hardware in Nintendo’s history. While DS dominated handheld gaming, Switch has thrived by merging portable and home play into a single machine.
Sony, the world-famous Japanese technology giant, has made an interesting decision and announced that it will start selling refurbished PS5.
Switch sales momentum continues into 2025
Even in its eighth year, demand for the Switch hasn’t fully slowed. Bundles, price drops, and big releases like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Hyrule have helped extend its run. The system’s ability to remain relevant this long is rare in gaming, and its success has set the stage for Switch 2 to launch with confidence.
Other top Nintendo platforms in the race
The DS isn’t the only system Switch is measured against. Nintendo’s hardware history is packed with hits that shaped the industry. Looking at sales charts makes it clear how far the hybrid has come:
- DS – 154 million
- Switch – 151 million (and climbing)
- Game Boy / Game Boy Color – 118 million
- Wii – 101 million
Each console defined an era, but Switch’s hybrid appeal has given it unmatched staying power.
The shadow of the DS still looms large
The DS isn’t just a number to beat. Its software lineup remains one of the most diverse and beloved in gaming. From Brain Age to Pokémon Black & White, it captured audiences far beyond traditional players. Beating its sales will be a symbolic victory, but the DS legacy remains untouchable.
A final push toward history
With just a few million units separating the Switch and DS, the finish line is visible. Nintendo is unlikely to let the chance slip away, especially with Switch 2 on deck. The original hybrid may soon wear the crown as the best‑selling Nintendo system ever. The torch is ready to pass, but not before Switch sales etch their name into history.
