Skip to main content

Nintendo Switch sales hit 15 million in North America, top Wii U lifetime sales

The Nintendo Switch has achieved the milestone of 15 million units sold in North America, with the hybrid console looking to continue its momentum into its fourth year since launch.

The Nintendo Switch, including its recently released new version, the Nintendo Switch Lite, has sold more than 15 million units in North America since the console’s launch in March 2017, according to Nintendo’s internal data.

Additionally, over the first nine months of 2019, Nintendo Switch sales in North America were up more than 20% compared to the same period last year. The NPD Group, which tracks sales in the U.S. video game industry, said that the device has been the best-selling video game console for 10 months in a row.

To further place the Nintendo Switch’s success in perspective, its predecessor, the Wii U, only sold 13.56 million units in its entire lifetime worldwide. Nintendo Switch sales in North America have surpassed that figure, and its worldwide sales of 36.87 million units, as of June 30 this year, have already more than doubled the Wii U’s lifetime sales.

Nintendo also said that 14 titles for the Nintendo Switch have sold more than 1 million copies, with four games selling more than 6 million copies, namely Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

This year’s lineup of games certainly helped push the console past 15 million units in North America, as titles such as Super Mario Maker 2, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Astral Chain, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening have proven to be very popular. Heading into the holiday season, the just-released Ring Fit Adventure, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and Pokémon Sword and Shield are expected to provide a boost to the hybrid console.

Nintendo is hoping for a strong holiday season for the console’s sales, similar to last year. The Nintendo Switch overtook the PlayStation 4 as the best-selling console of 2018 in the United States on the back of its holiday sales, despite the PlayStation 4 winning the monthly sales battle from January to October last year.

The Nintendo Switch is expected to continue hitting milestones as it enters its fourth year on the market, though it remains to be seen how it will be affected by the launch of the PlayStation 5 in next year’s holiday season.

Editors' Recommendations

Aaron Mamiit
Aaron received a NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was 4 years old, and he has been fascinated with…
How to transfer data from Nintendo Switch to Switch OLED
Pokémon on Nintendo Switch OLED.

If you've picked up a new Nintendo Switch OLED, you already know that it's a substantial upgrade from the previous iterations of the console. What you may not know, however, is how to transfer your data from your old Switch to your new Switch OLED.

Unfortunately, the transfer process isn't as straightforward as you might expect, so it can be confusing to get things going. However, we've got all the details on how to migrate your user data from one Switch to another, even if you don't have access to your previous system and best Switch games. Here's how to transfer your data from your Switch to the Switch OLED.
How to transfer data from Switch to Switch OLED
Step 1

Read more
Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers: how they work and eligible games
Princess Peach.

Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers vanished from the eShop in 2019, but they've since made a triumphant return. Though they won't be perfect for everyone, these vouchers are ideal for folks interested in playing multiple Switch games throughout the year and looking to save a few bucks on their purchase. After buying a voucher, you'll be able to browse an ever-growing selection of digital Switch games -- including Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Tears of the Kingdom -- and snag them at a discount.

Curious about the Nintendo Switch Game Voucher program? Here's everything you need to know about the unique program.
How Nintendo Switch Vouchers work

Read more
Everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Online
Person holding Nintendo Switch, looking at the home screen.

Much like Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, the Nintendo Switch makes it easy to jump online and play with friends. The service, known simply as Nintendo Switch Online, has seen big changes over the years, and it now offers plenty more than access to online multiplayer. One of the biggest draws is its growing collection of games from N64, NES, and other iconic platforms -- making Nintendo Switch Online a great way to access the best titles from past generations.

Nintendo offers a few different options when it comes to paying for Nintendo Switch Online, with both individual accounts and family accounts up for grabs. From its library of retro games to a smartphone application and special offers, here's a complete look at Nintendo Switch Online.
Individual/family subscription models

Read more