Nintendo sells nearly 6 million Switch 2 consoles even as Mario Kart remains one of its stickiest software offerings

Nintendo’s latest financial results are now available on-site, providing significant information about the Switch 2’s total hardware sales, which are staggering to say the least. According to the financial report for Q1 FY2025, the Switch 2 sold 5.82 million units in June alone, setting a record for Nintendo’s fastest-selling handheld, considering the Switch 2 sold 3.5 million units in the first four days following its June 5 launch. 

Given that sales data is available only till the 30th of June, it is easy to conclude that the Switch 2 has now crossed well past the 6 million sales mark, making it a record-bearer in multiple markets for its successful launch. This also invites a rather favorable comparison with its competitor, Sony’s PS5 console, which managed to sell a smaller, yet respectable 3.5 million units in the first four weeks and 4.5 million units in seven weeks of launch.

Moreover, the Switch 2’s flagship launch title, Mario Kart World, almost matched the console’s sales. Mario Kart World moved 5.63 million units in the first month, meaning every Switch 2 owner purchased the game despite its availability in nearly every Mario Kart Bundle Edition. Furthermore, Switch 2’s software sales have been rather impressive, with a total of 8.67 million units sold in the first month.

The original Nintendo Switch still retains its user base, with new owners buying 0.98 million units in Q1. This brings lifetime Nintendo Switch console sales to 153.1 million units, almost surpassing the Nintendo DS’s 154 million units, which is currently Nintendo’s best-selling handheld system to date.

Nintendo’s financials have been strong amid the release of the Switch 2. Nintendo’s net sales for Q1 FY 2025 have soared to ¥572 billion or $3.8 billion, a staggering 132% year-on-year increase. Furthermore, operating profits increased 4.4%, i.e., ¥56.8 billion or $377 million. However, ordinary profit dipped 15.6% to ¥95.8 billion or $636 million.

The Switch 2 has seen a strong debut, and Nintendo has not changed its projected sales forecast, still predicting 15 million console sales by March 2026. To put things in perspective, Nintendo has already achieved 40% of its somewhat conservative sales target in hindsight. The holiday season is still around the corner, which typically accounts for 40-50% of annual console sales, making it more than likely that the target is achieved with ease.

Nintendo’s appeal in the gaming industry is as relevant as it could ever be, with old and new fans showing incredible interest in the more powerful hardware, launched eight years after the original Switch. Production is reportedly ramping up, and the console could consolidate the Japanese conglomerate’s position in the video game industry to one of strength yet again.