Nintendo sees record 3.5 million sales of its latest Switch console in first four days

Nintendo has achieved an impressive milestone, selling over 3.5 million units of its latest Switch 2 gaming console within just four days of its launch. This remarkable achievement marks the company's first new console release in eight years and sets a strong foundation for its goal of selling 15 million units by the end of the fiscal year in March 2026. Released on June 5, the Switch 2 has generated significant excitement, with fans eagerly queuing for hours before the midnight launch at Nintendo stores. Doug Bowser, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Nintendo of America, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming enthusiasm from fans worldwide, highlighting the console’s appeal as an upgraded gaming option for both home and on-the-go play. Despite the excitement, shares of Nintendo, which have surged nearly 30% this year, experienced a 3.5% drop on Wednesday, according to LSEG data. The company’s stock has risen nearly fivefold since the original Switch was launched in March 2017. The success of the Switch 2 is crucial as it aims to replicate the success of its predecessor, which achieved 15 million sales in its first year and ultimately sold over 152 million units, making it the second-best-selling Nintendo console, following the Nintendo DS. Analysts had predicted strong demand for the new console, but the rapid sales raise concerns about Nintendo’s ability to keep up with consumer needs. Retailers such as Walmart, GameStop, Target, and Best Buy reported being out of stock of the Switch 2. In April, Bowser announced that Nintendo was collaborating with retail partners to ensure sufficient supply not only during the launch weekend but for the longer term. Japanese retailers faced high demand as well, with 2.2 million people entering a lottery for the chance to purchase the Switch 2 on launch day, far exceeding initial expectations. Serkan Toto, the CEO of Kantan Games, noted that shortages in Japan were likely to continue. Additionally, President Donald Trump’s tariffs on numerous countries pose challenges for the Switch 2. In April, Nintendo disclosed plans to delay U.S. preorders while assessing the tariffs' impact. The Switch 2, priced at $449, represents Nintendo's most expensive console to date, prompting Bowser to indicate that the company would monitor tariff developments before making any pricing decisions. The Switch 2 boasts enhancements over its predecessor, including a larger screen, improved performance, and the new GameChat2 feature, which allows players to engage in voice or video chats and share game screens with friends online.