Sony shipped over 160 million Play Station 2 units over its 13-year run, retaining the top spot in all-time console sales despite a larger industry. However, the PS2's lead is shrinking as Nintendo's Switch closes the gap. Based on latest figures, the Switch, still being sold, is only a few million units behind.
Sony and Nintendo report totals as consoles shipped to retailers; Microsoft does not publish official totals. The PS2 benefited from launching with a built-in DVD player during the format's rise, facing limited initial competition from Sega Dreamcast, and remaining on the market until 2013 with significant price cuts from $299 to $99. This longevity drove staggering software sales exceeding 1.5 billion games, with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas leading at 17.3 million units.
Nintendo's Switch, launched in 2017 as a hybrid console, has shipped over 156 million units as of June 2026, including all variants. Its flagship title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, defined the platform. The Switch has already outsold the PS2 in game units, reaching nearly 1.6 billion, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at 71.5 million units leading software sales.
Nintendo expects to ship 2 million original Switch consoles in the fiscal year ending March 2027; if that rate holds, the Switch could surpass the PS2 in 2028. The Nintendo DS remains the best-selling portable console with over 154 million units shipped across all models, featuring dual screens and a built-in microphone.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing