Here is some fun sales history to look at and what to expect of Nintendo Switch 2. This shows how well Nintendo did per generation. A little bit of approximating had to go down with GameBoy, because though technically it’s part of the same gen as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the console’s sales spanned two generations, including the former’s and Nintendo 64’s.
My findings reveal that approximately 43.55% of GameBoy hardware and 64.08% of GameBoy software were sold pre-Nintendo 64. Taking this split into consideration, shows that since Nintendo operated on a “two systems per generation” model, they’ve actually cleared 100 million in hardware sales, 4 out of 5 times. Only Nintendo 3DS + Wii U just missed 90 million.
Nintendo Switch has become the ultimate platform for the company, outperforming all other platforms minus DS in hardware (though it has surpassed it in software and still has years left in the tank) and even all pairs, with the exception being DS + Wii (quite the industry shakers, as the former was pre-smartphone, providing early touch screen gaming, two screens as a new concept, and backwards compatibility as a safety measure…with the latter introducing a new way to play via motion controlled gaming, was pro fitness, and had backwards compatibility as a bonus).
Nintendo’s output of quality and quantity this entire generation has been incredible. Its third party and independent developer support, excellent. There should be no reason to doubt that this next platform won’t be another 100 million seller.
We’re also dealing with a Nintendo that has done some firsts, this generation, beyond its own gaming platforms: Theme Parks, Major Motion Pictures, LEGO, Smartphones, and expanded reach via clothing brands, restaurants, and more.
Nintendo Switch 2 is only going to build on the success that its predecessor laid out. Whether it eclipses NS remains to be seen, but it being a major seller and a success story at the end of the day, is guaranteed.
The Stats:
NES = 61.91m Hardware, 500.01m Software
Total for Generation: 61.91m Hardware, 500.01m Software
1 to 8.08 ratio
———
———
GameBoy = 118.69m Hardware , 501.11m Software
+
SNES = 49.10m Hardware , 379.06m Software
Total for Generation: 167.79m Hardware, 880.17m Software
1 to 5.25 ratio
**************************************************************
GameBoy = 51.69m Hardware , 321.11m Software
+
SNES = 49.10m Hardware , 379.06m Software
Total for Generation: 100.79m Hardware, 700.17m Software
1 to 6.95 ratio
———
———
Virtual Boy = 770k Hardware , 1m Software
+
Nintendo 64 = 32.93m Hardware , 224.97m Software
Total for Generation: 33.7m Hardware, 225.97m Software
1 to 6.71 ratio
**************************************************************
Virtual Boy = 770k Hardware , 1m Software
+
Nintendo 64 = 32.93m Hardware , 224.97m Software
+
GameBoy = 67m Hardware, 180m Software
Total for Generation: 100.7m Hardware, 405.97m Software
1 to 4.03 ratio
———
———
GameBoy Advance = 81.51m Hardware , 377.42m Software
+
Nintendo GameCube = 21.74m Hardware , 208.58m Software
Total for Generation: 103.25m Hardware, 586m Software
1 to 5.68 ratio
———
———
Nintendo DS = 154.02m Hardware, 948.76m Software
+
Wii = 101.63m Hardware, 921.85 Software
Total for Generation: 255.65m Hardware, 1b 870.61m Software
1 to 7.32 ratio
———
———
Nintendo 3DS = 75.94m Hardware, 391.74m Software
+
Wii U = 13.56m Hardware, 103.60m Software
Total for Generation: 89.5m Hardware, 495.34 Software
1 to 5.53 ratio
———
———
Nintendo Switch = 132.46m Hardware, 1b 133.23m Software
Total for Generation (so far): 132.46m Hardware, 1b 133.23m Software
1 to 8.56 ratio
Also, in 2024, I will be updating the numbers from my All-time Nintendo Hardware and Software Sales article that shows the company’s consistency from July of 1983 to present.
From talks that I’ve had with various folks in the know, including partners of the company, Nintendo’s future is bright. Belief in Nintendo President, Shuntaro Furukawa is high. Here’s to Nintendo Switch 2!