Switch 2 debuts with 45K units in Japan, original Switch still moves 27K

Switch 2 moved 45,825 units in its first week on the Japanese market, claiming the top spot on the hardware chart. The original Switch sold 27,139 units for second place, while PS5 managed 12,973 units in third.

Under 50,000 units for a Nintendo launch isn't exactly explosive by historical standards, but the old Switch holding nearly 30,000 weekly sales reveals how well the dual-platform approach works in Japan. Buyers either grab the new hardware or stick with the cheaper legacy model—either way, Nintendo collects.

PS5 breaking five figures is routine for Sony in Japan at this point. Xbox Series at 246 units barely registers. Nintendo's lock on the top two positions won't break anytime soon—Japanese players have decades of preference for handheld form factors and domestic IP baked in.

If you're in Japan or can import, Switch 2 requires hunting stock right now. The original Switch has stable inventory and pricing, making it the better pick for budget buyers or anyone satisfied with first-party titles. PS5 remains lukewarm in Japan—unless you're committed to Sony exclusives, waiting for a price drop or going all-in on the Switch ecosystem makes more sense.