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Has the Nintendo Switch Outsold the Nintendo DS? A Deep Dive into Console Sales

The burning question on every Nintendo enthusiast’s mind: Has the Nintendo Switch finally surpassed the legendary Nintendo DS in lifetime sales? As of late 2023, the answer is no, the Nintendo Switch has not yet outsold the Nintendo DS. While the Switch has enjoyed tremendous success, it still trails behind the DS in total units sold. The Nintendo DS boasts an impressive 154.02 million units sold worldwide, securing its place as the second best-selling console of all time. While the Nintendo Switch is a monumental achievement and is the third best selling console of all time, it’s still more than 20 million units behind the DS.

The Switch, however, is making a serious run for the top spot. It has already surpassed numerous titans in the gaming world, like the Nintendo Wii, the PS4, and the Game Boy. Reaching the coveted position of best-selling console ever is within its reach. The future is full of new games and hardware revisions that can bolster the Switch’s sales figures. Let’s delve deeper into why the DS achieved such monumental success and the Switch’s journey to possibly take the crown.

The Reign of the Nintendo DS: A Perfect Storm

The Nintendo DS, released in 2004, wasn’t just a new console; it was a phenomenon. Its innovative dual-screen design, coupled with touchscreen technology, revolutionized handheld gaming. This wasn’t just a console for hardcore gamers; it appealed to a much broader audience. Suddenly, gaming became accessible to everyone, regardless of their prior experience.

Accessibility and Innovation

The touchscreen interface was a game-changer. It made navigating menus and playing games intuitive for even the most inexperienced users. Think of games like Nintendogs, Brain Age, and Cooking Mama. These titles weren’t about complex controls and reflexes; they were about interaction and simple fun, drawing in demographics that traditional gaming had largely ignored. The introduction of wireless online gaming also expanded the DS’s reach.

A Diverse Library of Games

The DS boasted a diverse library of games catering to every imaginable taste. From core titles like New Super Mario Bros. and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl to casual hits like the aforementioned Nintendogs and Brain Age, there was something for everyone. This massive appeal is a key reason why the DS became a cultural icon and a commercial juggernaut.

The Rise of the Nintendo Switch: A Hybrid Revolution

The Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, is another example of Nintendo’s innovative spirit. By blending the portability of a handheld with the power of a home console, Nintendo created a hybrid device that resonated with gamers around the globe. This unique concept has allowed players to seamlessly transition between playing on their TV and gaming on the go.

Portability and Versatility

The Switch’s portability is a massive draw. You can take your gaming experience anywhere, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply relaxing in a different room. Its versatility is another key strength. The Joy-Con controllers can be used in various configurations, allowing for single-player, multiplayer, and motion-controlled gaming experiences.

Strong First-Party Titles

Nintendo’s first-party games are legendary, and the Switch has benefited immensely from them. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have been system sellers, driving console sales and captivating players with their innovative gameplay and immersive worlds. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in particular has sold over 55 million units, making it a flagship for the console. Additionally, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has become the fastest selling game in the series.

A Promising Future

The Switch continues to perform strongly, and with new games and hardware revisions on the horizon, its future looks bright. The recent release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder shows Nintendo is still capable of creating innovative games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide even more insight into the sales figures, history, and future of these iconic consoles.

How many Nintendo Switch units have been sold to date? As of September 2023, the Nintendo Switch had sold approximately 129.53 million units worldwide. This number is constantly growing, but still significantly lags behind the DS.
When was the Nintendo DS first released? The Nintendo DS was first released in 2004 in North America and Japan, and in 2005 in Europe.
What were the main reasons for the Nintendo DS’s success? The DS’s success can be attributed to its innovative dual-screen design, its touchscreen technology, its wide appeal to both core and casual gamers, and its extensive library of diverse games. The welcoming interface was crucial in opening up the appeal to non-gamers.
Did the Nintendo 3DS outsell the Nintendo DS? No, the Nintendo 3DS did not outsell the Nintendo DS. The 3DS sold approximately 75 million units, roughly half the number of the DS.
What is the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch? The best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with over 55.46 million copies sold.
Has the Nintendo Switch outsold the Nintendo Wii? Yes, the Nintendo Switch has outsold the Nintendo Wii in the US.
Is the Nintendo Switch the most successful console of all time? No, while the Nintendo Switch is successful, it has not surpassed the PlayStation 2, which has sold over 158 million units worldwide. The Nintendo DS comes in second place.
What are some of the best-selling games on the Nintendo DS? Some of the best-selling games on the Nintendo DS include New Super Mario Bros., Nintendogs, Brain Age, and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
What is the expected lifespan of the Nintendo Switch? According to Nintendo, the Switch’s life cycle could potentially be as long as 10 years.
Is there a successor to the Nintendo Switch planned? While Nintendo hasn’t officially announced a successor, the company is likely working on new hardware. An upgraded Switch model or a completely new console could be released in the future.
Why was the Nintendo DS discontinued? The Nintendo DS was discontinued as Nintendo shifted focus to its successor, the Nintendo 3DS.
Are Nintendo DS games becoming rare? Yes, Nintendo DS games are becoming rarer, especially since the closure of the Wii U eShop, which was a digital outlet for buying DS titles.
What is Nintendo’s best-selling home console? The Nintendo Wii is Nintendo’s best-selling home console, with over 100 million units sold.
How did Dark Souls perform on the Nintendo Switch? Dark Souls: Remastered sold an estimated 105,385 units in its first week at retail on the Nintendo Switch. While it’s not the best way to play the game due to hardware limitations, the Switch version is still well-regarded.
What is the Games Learning Society?

The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) is an organization dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and learning. They promote research, education, and innovation in the field of game-based learning. For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming and how games can be used as tools for learning and development, GamesLearningSociety.org is a valuable resource.

Has the Switch outsold the DS?