The Nintendo Switch 2 has made history as the fastest-selling console launch in the UK, surpassing its predecessor, the Nintendo 3DS. Early sales data shows that it outperformed the 113,000 units sold by the 3DS in 2011, with numbers reportedly more than double the Switch 1’s 80,000 units in 2017. While this is an impressive achievement, it still falls behind the launches of PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S in the UK, based on NielsenIQ data. However, it’s worth noting that Nintendo’s ability to avoid the same stock shortages that plagued previous launches like the Switch 1 and the Wii, where customers faced significant delays, has likely contributed to these strong early sales.
But why hasn’t Switch 2 been able to surpass PS4 or Xbox Series X/S in the UK? One major factor is the UK’s competitive gaming market, where Sony and Microsoft have a more established fanbase. 
While Nintendo is hugely popular in regions like Japan, the UK has always been a more challenging market for the company. With a wide distribution of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, it’s no surprise that the market share is more divided here. In addition, the Switch 2’s price point in the UK, which starts at £395.99 without Mario Kart World and £429.99 with it, might also be playing a role in limiting its broader appeal.
Despite this, the Switch 2 is performing exceptionally well in France, where it has already surpassed the sales of the PS5. In fact, it has reportedly sold over 200,000 units, double the PS5’s record at launch. The game’s attach rate of Mario Kart World is also impressive, with over 95% of Switch 2 owners already owning the game. Nintendo is forecasting global sales of 15 million units and 45 million game sales by the end of March 2026. Some analysts believe these figures may be conservative, suggesting the console could enjoy even greater success.
As Nintendo continues to innovate, it’s clear that the Switch 2 is a well-built console with premium features, from its larger, HDR-capable screen to its seamless hybrid functionality. Whether or not it will surpass the performance of Sony and Microsoft’s consoles in the long run remains to be seen, but for now, the Switch 2 is proving to be a major success.