Nintendo Switch 2 Officially Dethroned As Fastest-Selling Console In The America

Nintendo’s latest console had a remarkable first year, breaking sales records and outperforming some of the biggest names in gaming hardware. However, its run at the top of America’s fastest-selling console rankings has now come to an end. The Nintendo Switch 2 is no longer the fastest-selling video game hardware in US history, with a much older console holding on to that distinction.

There’s plenty still to come for the Nintendo Switch 2 over the next few years, including the Ocarina of Time remake, a brand-new Pokémon game, a new Metroid, and plenty of other unannounced surprises. But for now, the Switch 2 has lost that coveted spot.

According to Circana’s tracking data, the Switch 2 sold 5.9 million units in the United States during its first 12 months. The Game Boy Advance managed 6.5 million units over the equivalent period, leaving Nintendo’s latest hardware short of the record by approximately 600,000 units.

The comparison places the Switch 2 second among the fastest-selling video game hardware platforms in Circana’s US tracking history, which dates back to 1995. The figures were reported by the firm’s senior director and industry analyst Mat Piscatella in June 2026.

The result is particularly interesting considering how quickly the Switch 2 established itself following its June 2025 launch. The console had already sold 4.4 million units in the US by the end of 2025, according to Circana’s annual sales report. That put it 35% ahead of the PlayStation 4’s sales pace over the same period in its life cycle.

While the Game Boy Advance remains ahead in this particular comparison, the Switch 2 has still delivered one of the strongest hardware launches in the American gaming market. It also continued to lead US hardware sales in both units and dollar revenue during May 2026.

PS5 Gains Ground As Switch 2 Sales Slow Down

More recently, though, the console has faced tougher comparisons. Circana’s September 2026 report revealed that Switch 2 hardware unit sales dropped 14% compared to September 2025. Its dollar sales also declined by 12%.

The PlayStation 5, meanwhile, had a considerably stronger period of sales. Sony’s console recorded a 22% year-over-year increase in unit sales and led the US hardware market in both units and dollar sales. The release of Marvel’s Wolverine helped Sony achieve its highest monthly share of hardware spending since May 2025.

There are some interesting factors to consider for the Switch 2. Its launch period was unusually strong, and Nintendo also didn’t face significant supply constraints during much of its first year. Piscatella has also pointed to Nintendo’s September pricing changes, which included removing the Mario Kart World bundle and shifting to a standalone console package. Despite the changes, he said he was not concerned about its performance in the market.

For now, there are a few opportunities for the Switch 2 to gain back its reputation. Nintendo could receive a sales boost from its upcoming major release, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Piscatella expects the remake’s launch to generate considerable interest in the console. The company is also planning to restock the special Zelda version of the console, which sold out soon after pre-orders for it opened up back in September.

For now, the Switch 2 remains one of Nintendo’s strongest hardware launches, even if it couldn’t hold on to the historical sales record. Its second-year performance, particularly around major game releases, will be worth watching.