Can the Nintendo Switch 2 ever catch up to its legendary predecessor? The battle between the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch is heating up, and the numbers are in for October 2025. But here's where it gets controversial: despite a strong start, the Switch 2 still has a long way to go to match the monumental success of its older sibling. Let’s dive into the details and see how these consoles stack up.
At VGChartz, we’re committed to bringing you monthly sales comparisons that break down the performance of major gaming consoles. From the PlayStation 5 to the Xbox Series X|S, and now the Nintendo Switch lineup, our estimated figures provide a comprehensive look at the market. This month, we’re focusing on the global sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch, aligning their launch timelines to give you a fair comparison. And this is the part most people miss: the holiday sales periods for these consoles don’t align, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the analysis.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025, while the original Switch hit the shelves in March 2017. In October 2025, the Switch 2 marked its 5th month on the market, outselling the Switch 1 by 0.71 million units during the same timeframe. This brings the Switch 2’s total sales to 10.68 million units, compared to the Switch 1’s 4.87 million units at the same point in its lifecycle. Impressive, right? But here’s the catch: the Switch 1 has already sold a staggering 152.34 million units to date, leaving the Switch 2 trailing by 141.66 million units.
Is the Switch 2’s success sustainable, or will it fall short of the Switch 1’s legacy? The Switch 2’s current lead of 5.81 million units over the Switch 1 at this stage is noteworthy, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the original Switch’s lifetime sales. Will the newer console’s advanced features and fresh appeal be enough to close the gap? Or will the Switch 1’s enduring popularity continue to dominate the market?
Written by William D'Angelo, a seasoned gaming analyst and lifelong enthusiast, this article is part of his ongoing work at VGChartz. Since joining in 2010, William has become a leading voice in hardware sales estimates, while also sharing his passion for gaming on platforms like YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/TheAlphaTomato) and Twitch (http://www.twitch.tv/trunkswd). Follow him on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/trunkswd.bsky.social) for more insights and updates.
What do you think? Can the Switch 2 ever surpass the Switch 1’s monumental success? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take on this heated debate!
