Summary
Nintendo has released an updated list of the 10 best-selling games released for the originalSwitch. With the Nintendo Switch 2 release date right around the corner, most of the attention is on Nintendo’s next-generation home console/handheld hybrid. However, there are still plenty of exciting games on the way for the originalSwitch.
Theoriginal Switch is one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time, and Nintendo is looking to take advantage of that massive install base by releasing more new titles for the platform. In the year ahead, Nintendo fans can look forward to games likeMetroid Prime 4: BeyondandPokemon Legends: Z-Afor the original Switch, with new titles in the pipeline for 2026 as well. With it being so late in the original Switch’s lifespan, it remains to be seen if any of the new games releasing for the console will ever hit the list of its 10 best-selling games. In the meantime, Nintendo has provided updated figures for its best-selling Switch 1 games.
For the most part, sales remained steady for the top 10 best-selling Switch 1 games, withMario Kart 8 Deluxeenjoying the biggest jump.Mario Kart 8 Deluxehas proven to be immensely popular, and there is really no chance it will ever be knocked off its top spot. Placement for the top 10 best-selling Switch 1 games has remained mostly the same, except thePokemongames have swapped places.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetsales have overtakenPokemon Sword and Shield.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetreviews were some of the most negativeof any main seriesPokemongame, but it seems consumers were really sold on its open world concept.
Units Sold (as of May 2025)
68.20 million
67.35 million
47.82 million
47.44 million
36.24 million
35.88 million
32.81 million
32.62 million
29.28 million
29.04 million
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
26.79 million
26.38 million
Pokemon Sword and Shield
26.72 million
26.60 million
21.73 million
21.55 million
21.16 million
21.10 million
18.25 million
18.06 million
At this stage in the Switch 1’s life, it seems unlikely that any of the new games coming out will be able to make their way to the top 10. For example,Pokemon Legends: Arceusstill hasn’t reached the top 10, and so chances are thatLegends Z-Awill fail to do so as well.Super Mario Party Jamboreehas been a big hit, but it also doesn’t seem likely that it will surpassNew Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe’s sales - at least, any time soon. Some Switch 1 games may get a boost from their Switch 2 Editions that come with special upgrades, but that remains to be seen.
The next time Nintendo has a new financial report to share, the company will haveSwitch 2 gamesto discuss. Within the first couple months of the Switch 2’s life, fans can look forward to heavy hitters likeMario Kart WorldandDonkey Kong Bananza, which are sure to be top-sellers for the system.
