Nintendo Switch 2 outsells Xbox and PS5 Digital in Japan, marking an early but historic milestone for the newly launched console. With just weeks on the market, the successor to the immensely popular Nintendo Switch has already sold over 1.1 million units in Japan alone — more than the lifetime sales of the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 Digital Edition combined in the region.
Switch 2 Sets New Sales Records
According to data from Famitsu, the Nintendo Switch 2 sold 1,101,136 units in Japan by June 15, 2025. For perspective, that’s:
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Faster than any console in history — with 3.5 million global units sold within days.
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More than the entire lifetime sales of the Xbox Series X (approx. 330,000) in Japan.
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More than PS5 Digital Edition has sold in Japan in nearly 5 years.
This remarkable feat cements the Switch 2 not only as a global success but a regional juggernaut, especially in its home country.
Why Is the Switch 2 Dominating Japan?
Several key factors are fueling Nintendo’s unprecedented success:
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Strong Legacy: The original Switch was already a cultural and commercial phenomenon in Japan.
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Hybrid Versatility: Portability remains a key factor in Japanese gaming habits, favoring handheld or flexible play styles.
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First-Party Power: Launch titles like Zelda: Echoes of Time and Splatoon X are fueling high attach rates.
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Pre-order Momentum: Massive early demand led to fast sell-outs and long queues at launch.
Xbox’s Ongoing Struggles in Japan
Microsoft has long struggled in the Japanese market, and the current numbers only reinforce that trend. Xbox Series X and S sales combined sit well below the Switch 2’s launch figures. Famitsu’s data shows that Xbox hardware has been largely outpaced week after week, making the platform nearly invisible in Japan’s mainstream console scene.
Sony’s digital-only offering — the PS5 Digital Edition — also trails behind. While the full PS5 line has had moderate success, the digital edition specifically has not captured significant market share, especially in a country where physical media and portable flexibility still hold strong appeal.
Nintendo Reclaims the Throne
With Switch 2 becoming the fastest-selling console in Japan’s history, Nintendo has reaffirmed its dominance in a region where its brand loyalty and mobile-first strategy continue to thrive. If current trends hold, 2025 may see Nintendo not only maintain leadership in Japan but potentially overtake global rivals in year-end sales.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has taken Japan by storm, outselling both Xbox and PS5 Digital systems in a matter of days. Backed by a loyal fanbase and powerful first-party games, Nintendo’s latest console is already rewriting sales records — and it’s only just getting started.