Key Highlights
- The Nintendo Switch has outperformed the PlayStation 2 as the best-selling console in the U.S., with 46.6 million units sold.
- Globally, the PS2 retains its title with 160 million units, but the Switch is rapidly closing the gap.
- The top 10 best-selling consoles worldwide are predominantly from Sony and Nintendo, with Xbox consoles falling behind in comparison.
In a significant shift in the gaming landscape, the Nintendo Switch has officially dethroned the iconic PlayStation 2 as the highest-selling video game console in the United States, marking a historic milestone. The PS2, which launched over two decades ago, held strong due to its initial popularity and the enduring loyalty of its fanbase. However, the Switch’s ascension illustrates a new era in gaming, at least within the U.S. market.
Despite the PlayStation 2’s impressive global sales exceeding 155 million units, the Switch’s widespread appeal and ongoing production have enabled it to rise remarkably in a relatively short timeframe. It’s also important to note that while the PS2 is no longer in production, the Switch continues to attract new players. This makes its achievement all the more noteworthy, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding how long it will maintain this leading position.
Industry expert Mat Piscatella, Executive Director at Circana, shared insights via Bluesky, confirming that the Nintendo Switch has surpassed the PS2 with 46.6 million units sold in the U.S. This figure, while representing a remarkable milestone, is specific to the U.S. market and does not include sales from handheld consoles like the Nintendo DS. While this news might not come as a shock to many—given that the Switch was the top-selling console in 2022—it still highlights a significant moment for the gaming industry. Notably, even with a slight decline of 3% in sales observed in 2024, the Switch accomplished the remarkable feat of becoming the all-time leader in U.S. sales.
Lifetime unit sales of Nintendo Switch have now exceeded those of PlayStation 2 in the U.S. market. With its 46.6 million units sold life-to-date, Switch now ranks 2nd in all-time units sold across all video game hardware platforms in the U.S., trailing only Nintendo DS.— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social)2024-12-18T14:00:22.008Z
On the global scale, the PlayStation 2 still reigns supreme, but the Nintendo Switch’s rapid growth can’t be overlooked. With rumors about the impending launch of the Switch 2, sales of the original hybrid console might start to wane further. This raises questions about whether any future consoles will edge past the PS2 in total sales. However, exact data on the Switch’s market lead in the U.S. remains unclear, as Piscatella has yet to disclose a comprehensive list of best-selling consoles in the country.
Global Top 10 Best-Selling Consoles
- Sony PlayStation 2 (160 million units)
- Nintendo Switch (146.06 million units)
- Sony PlayStation 4 (117.2 million units)
- Sony PlayStation (102.49 million units)
- Nintendo Wii (101.63 million units)
- Sony PlayStation 3 (87.4 million units)
- Microsoft Xbox 360 (84 million units)
- Sony PlayStation 5 (65.6 million units)
- Nintendo Entertainment System (61.91 million units)
- Microsoft Xbox One (58 million units)
A fascinating trend emerges in the global top 10 console sales: the dominance of Sony and Nintendo is apparent, with just two Xbox consoles making the cut, and that without considering handheld devices. Given Xbox’s anticipated decline in hardware sales over the coming years, it appears unlikely that they will significantly enhance their standing in all-time sales—at least for the foreseeable future.
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