X

Nintendo Switch 2 Blows Past Records to Sell 3.5 Million Consoles in Just 4 Days

Nintendo's new handheld console has reached the highest global sales of any Nintendo device in the same timeframe.

Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
Headshot of Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma Editor / Home Security and Smart Home
Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations. With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation. Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.
Expertise Smart home | Smart security | Home tech | Energy savings | A/V
Tyler Lacoma
2 min read
A Nintendo Switch 2 box on launch day.

Nintendo Switch 2 sales are setting records.

Mike Sorrentino/CNET

We knew it was highly anticipated, but Nintendo on Wednesday confirmed that its new Switch 2 handheld game console has sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide within the first four days of release. This makes it the fastest-selling Nintendo device ever, flying past other releases like the original Switch, which by comparison sold 2.74 million units in its first month.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launched at a price of $450 for the standard America version of the console, which has yet to be affected by the latest tariffs.

It features a larger screen, revamped Joy-Con controllers, more advanced processors and backwards compatibility with original Switch games. It currently features updated versions of classics like Breath of the Wild, as well as the exclusive new game Mario Kart World. 

Watch this: We Finally Unbox and Play the Switch 2. Should You Buy One?

When CNET reached out to Nintendo of America, their spokesperson stated: "We encourage anyone that didn't get a Nintendo Switch 2 already to visit their favorite retailer to obtain both the Nintendo Switch 2 and any of the over 20 games we have available from both Nintendo and our game development partners.  We'll work hard to replenish our retail partners with a steady stream of product as we make every effort to meet demand." 

Despite massive early-day sales, the Switch 2 still has a long ways to go to catch up to the original Switch, which has sold over 150 million units since its 2017 release date.

If you've been looking but haven't been able to buy one yet, check out CNET's Switch 2 tracker for where it's still in stock.