### Nintendo Switch: The Bestselling Console That Made Your DS Look Like a Tamagotchi
Move over DS, there’s a new sheriff in town, and it’s the Nintendo Switch. Yes, the same console that’s been around since 2017 has decided it’s not done hogging the spotlight. According to the latest stats, the original Nintendo Switch has officially surpassed the Nintendo DS to become Nintendo’s bestselling console of all time. That’s right, your nostalgia-fueled childhood memories have been dethroned by a hybrid console that you can’t even play Pokémon Platinum on. But hey, progress, right?
Let’s dive into the glorious details of how the Nintendo Switch managed to pull this off, and why the DS is now just a relic in your junk drawer filled with tangled charging cables and expired gift cards.
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### A Sales Record So Big, Even Mario is Blushing
First, let’s talk numbers. As of February 2026, the Nintendo Switch has sold a jaw-dropping 155 million units worldwide. For reference, the Nintendo DS, which held the previous crown, sold about 154 million units. Yes, it’s only a one-million-unit difference, but hey, a win is a win. The Switch didn’t just beat the DS; it also gave a side-eye to the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, which sold a combined 118 million units. Basically, the Switch is that overachieving sibling who not only aces every test but also steals your thunder at Thanksgiving dinner.
Nintendo’s hybrid console owes its success to its versatility, a library of must-play games, and, of course, the pandemic-induced gaming boom. Because what else were we supposed to do while stuck at home? Learn a new skill? Please.
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### Why the Nintendo Switch Dominated the Market
Here are some reasons why the Nintendo Switch reigns supreme:
– **Hybrid Design**: The Switch’s ability to function as both a home console and a portable device was a game-changer. Unlike the DS, which made you carry around cartridges like it was 2004, the Switch lets you download games directly. Revolutionary, I know.
– **Game Library**: From “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” to “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” the Switch’s game library is packed with titles that appeal to everyone—from hardcore gamers to your Aunt Linda who only plays “Tetris.”
– **Timed Releases**: Nintendo strategically released upgraded models like the Switch Lite and the OLED version to keep the hype alive. It’s like the console equivalent of dropping a new Taylor Swift album every year.
– **Pandemic Boost**: Let’s not forget the global lockdowns. The Switch became the ultimate quarantine buddy, giving people a way to escape reality while simultaneously ignoring their sourdough starter.
For more details on the Switch’s journey to the top, check out the original article on Ars Technica.
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### Pros & Cons of the Nintendo Switch
Let’s break it down for those of you who still haven’t jumped on the bandwagon.
**Pros:**
– Versatility: Play it on your TV or on the go. Your move, PS5.
– Game Selection: A library that makes other consoles weep in envy.
– Accessibility: Easy for kids, adults, and everyone in between.
**Cons:**
– Price: Still not the cheapest option out there.
– Performance: Not exactly a powerhouse compared to the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
– Online Features: Let’s just say Nintendo’s online services are… “quirky.”
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### What Does This Mean for Nintendo?
Nintendo has proven, once again, that it’s the king of reinventing itself. The Switch’s success not only solidifies its place in gaming history but also sets the stage for whatever Nintendo has up its sleeve next. Rumors about a “Switch 2” have been swirling for years, and let’s be honest, we’ll probably all buy it even if it’s just a slightly shinier version of the current model.
For a deeper dive into Nintendo’s future plans, check out our article on Nintendo’s Next Big Moves.
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### Call-to-Action: Share Your Thoughts!
Do you think the Nintendo Switch deserves its crown, or are you still clinging to your DS like it’s 2006? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more sarcastic takes on the latest tech trends.
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For further reading, check out this detailed analysis from The Verge.
