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Nintendo’s new Switch 2 console breaks a sale record in first 4 days

Sales for the latest hardware release by Japanese games giant Nintendo have met expectations, despite the hefty price tag

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A shopper buys the new Nintendo Switch 2 game console in Tokyo, Japan, on June 5. Photo: Reuters

Nintendo said Wednesday it had sold a record 3.5 million Switch 2 units worldwide in the first four days after the console was launched.

“This is the highest global sales level for any Nintendo hardware within the first four days,” the Japanese video game giant said in a statement.

Featuring a bigger screen and more processing power, the Switch 2 is an upgrade to Nintendo’s blockbuster Switch console.

A gamer plays Mario Kart World on the new Nintendo Switch 2 video game console system by Japanese video game company Nintendo. Photo: AFP
A gamer plays Mario Kart World on the new Nintendo Switch 2 video game console system by Japanese video game company Nintendo. Photo: AFP

It was released last Thursday to a global swell of fan excitement that included sold-out pre-orders and midnight store openings.

Since its 2017 launch, the original Switch – which enjoyed a popularity boost during the pandemic with hit games such as Animal Crossing – has sold 152 million units.

That makes it the third bestselling console of all time.

Analysts predicted last week that Nintendo could score record early sales with the Switch 2, but it remains to be seen if it can match the performance of its predecessor.

Challenges for Nintendo include uncertainty over US trade tariffs and whether it can convince enough people to pay the high price for its new device.
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