(NewsNation) — Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 has sold 3.5 million units since its release on June 5, the Japan-based business announced.
The hybrid video game console, an upgrade to its eight-year-old predecessor with new social features meant to draw players into online gaming, is Nintendo’s fastest-selling gaming device to date.
In the U.S., a chaotic pre-order process in April left some fans frustrated after the consoles quickly sold out. People lined up at stores early Thursday in hopes of buying one.
In Japan, the new consoles were sold through a competitive lottery system; Nintendo said it received about 2.2 million applications.
The new console comes with a larger, higher-resolution screen with improved processing power, offering smoother and more vivid graphics. Central to its updated system is a new “C” button on its controller, which will launch a “GameChat” feature that requires a subscription to Nintendo’s Switch online service. It allows players to “communicate with friends and family while playing a game” and share their game screen with others. A built-in microphone allows chatting with other gamers.
“Fans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go,” said Nintendo of America president and chief operating officer Doug Bowser. “We are thankful for their response and happy to see the fun they are already having with Nintendo Switch 2 as they explore new features and games that bring friends and family together in new ways.”
Nintendo has said it expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles through March 2026.
The Switch 2’s rollout arrives at an uncertain time for much of the gaming industry due to tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump.
In the U.S., the Switch 2’s baseline launch price is $449.99 — significantly higher than the original Switch’s $299 price tag.
U.S. preorders for the Switch 2 were delayed for several weeks as the company assessed the potential impact of tariffs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.