Nintendo Switch officially dethrones the DS as Nintendo’s best selling console

Nintendo has just crossed a major milestone with one of its longest-standing sales records having finally been overtaken by the Nintendo Switch.

When the Nintendo DS launched back in 2004, it quickly became a success. The handheld introduced dual screens and touch controls at a time when portable gaming was still relatively straightforward. That approach certainly paid off. Since its release, the DS has sold 154.02 million units worldwide, a figure that made it Nintendo’s highest-selling console for years.

It comfortably surpassed the Game Boy, which sold 118.69 million units, and the Wii, which reached 101.63 million, until now. According to the 2025 financial report from Nintendo, the Nintendo Switch has officially moved ahead, ending the DS’s long run as the company’s best-selling system.

Nintendo Switch becomes Nintendo’s top selling console

The report confirms that as of December 31, 2025, the Nintendo Switch has sold 155.37 million units worldwide. Compared to the Nintendo DS total of 154.02 million units, the difference between the two systems stands at just over 1 million units.

Thanks to this, the Switch has now surpassed every other Nintendo console to take the top spot overall, proving just how popular the handheld hybrid is among fans.

The same report also provides an update on the Nintendo Switch 2. The newer system has sold 17.37 million units so far. While that figure is well behind earlier consoles, its later release is a major factor, giving it far less time to build a comparable install base. However, given that the Wii U sold 13.56 million, and the Nintendo 3DS sold 75.94 million, the Switch 2’s numbers are far from terrible.

The Switch’s rise to the top underlines just how popular the hardware has become. Its ability to blend portable and home play has kept it relevant for years, driving consistent sales well into its lifecycle. Becoming Nintendo’s highest-selling unit is a clear sign that the handheld-focused approach continues to resonate among plenty of fans.