Nintendo has reported strong financial and hardware performance for fiscal year 2026, led by rapid adoption of the Nintendo Switch 2. According to the company’s latest earnings report, the Switch 2 has sold nearly 17.4 million units in just over six months, making it one of the fastest-selling consoles in the company’s history and surpassing the lifetime sales of the Wii U in that period.
At the same time, the original Nintendo Switch has officially become Nintendo’s best-selling console ever, while overall company revenue and profits recorded major year-over-year growth.
Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Performance
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in mid-2025 and has shown accelerated sales momentum across its first three quarters. Nintendo confirmed that the console sold:
5.8 million units in Q1
More than 10 million units by the end of Q2
An additional 7 million units in Q3
This brought total shipments between June and December 2025 to approximately 17.4 million units.
The Q3 period marked the console’s strongest quarter to date. With this performance, the Switch 2 has already outpaced the early sales trajectory of the original Switch and exceeded the full lifetime sales of the Wii U, which reached only 13.6 million units over four years.
Nintendo previously described the Switch 2 as the fastest-selling console in its history once it crossed the 10 million unit mark in Q2, and Q3 momentum has reinforced that position.
Looking ahead, Nintendo expects the Switch 2 to reach 19 million unit sales by March 31, 2026, the end of its fiscal year.
Original Switch Becomes Nintendo’s Best-Selling Console
While the new hardware leads current growth, the original Nintendo Switch continues to contribute meaningfully to sales. During Q3 FY2026, Nintendo sold approximately 1.4 million units of the original Switch.
This brought lifetime hardware sales to nearly 155.4 million units, officially surpassing the Nintendo DS, which previously held the company record at around 154 million units.
In addition to hardware, the Switch ecosystem crossed a major milestone in software. Lifetime software sales for the platform exceeded 1.5 billion units, reflecting long-term engagement across first-party and third-party titles.
The continued performance of the original Switch alongside the Switch 2 indicates a transition period in which both generations are contributing to Nintendo’s revenue mix.
Nintendo Financial Results for FY2026
Over the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026, Nintendo’s financial performance rose sharply, driven primarily by Switch 2 demand and renewed software activity.
Key financial highlights include:
Net sales: ¥1.9 trillion ($12.1 billion), up 99% year-over-year
Net profit: ¥358.8 billion ($2.3 billion), up 51% year-over-year
Operating profit: ¥300.3 billion ($1.9 billion), up 21% year-over-year
Nintendo noted that both net sales and profits had declined year-over-year prior to the Switch 2 launch, as releases slowed on older hardware during the transition period. The new console cycle has reversed that trend, producing a significant rebound across revenue and profitability metrics.
IP and Transmedia Revenue
Nintendo also disclosed performance from its IP-related business segment, which includes mobile games and transmedia projects such as film releases.
For the current fiscal year, IP-related income reached ¥54.5 billion ($347.9 million) in net sales. However, the segment declined 10% year-over-year, despite the release of Nintendo’s first mobile game in six years, Fire Emblem Shadows.
The company continues to expand its brand presence beyond games, including web3-adjacent experimentation in digital engagement and licensing, although hardware and software remain the primary revenue drivers.
Nintendo highlighted the upcoming sequel to its film success, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, scheduled for release in April 2026. The original Super Mario Bros. Movie generated over $1 billion at the global box office, and the sequel is positioned as a key IP initiative for the next fiscal period.
Outlook for Nintendo and Switch 2
As the final quarter of FY2026 begins, Nintendo’s outlook remains closely tied to Switch 2 adoption and software performance. With nearly 17.4 million units sold in six months and a forecast of 19 million by fiscal year-end, the Switch 2 is shaping up as one of the strongest console launches in Nintendo’s history.
At the same time, the original Switch reaching best-selling console status reinforces the long-term strength of the platform ecosystem. Combined hardware, software, and IP initiatives are driving Nintendo’s recovery from the pre-launch slowdown and positioning the company for continued growth into 2026.
If momentum continues, the Switch 2 is expected to play a central role in Nintendo’s financial and strategic direction across both gaming and broader entertainment markets.
Source: PocketGamer
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Switch 2 units have been sold so far?
The Nintendo Switch 2 has sold nearly 17.4 million units in just over six months since its launch.
Has the original Switch reached any milestones?
Yes, the original Nintendo Switch has become Nintendo’s best-selling console, with lifetime hardware sales of approximately 155.4 million units.
How do Switch 2 sales compare to the Wii U?
Switch 2 sales have surpassed the Wii U’s lifetime sales of 13.6 million units in just over half a year.
What is Nintendo’s current financial performance?
Nintendo’s net sales have risen 99% year-over-year to ¥1.9 trillion ($12.1 billion), with net profit up 51% to ¥358.8 billion ($2.3 billion) for the first three quarters of FY2026.
What upcoming Nintendo projects could impact revenue?
The upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie sequel is a major IP initiative for Nintendo, set to release in April 2026. The company also continues to support its mobile game portfolio, including Fire Emblem Shadows.
Is Nintendo exploring web3 or other digital initiatives?
Nintendo has shown limited experimentation with web3 and digital engagement, but its primary focus remains on console hardware, software, and IP-driven media projects.
