Nintendo Switch Tops 2020 Console Sales on the Va

Nintendo Switch: The Unexpected Superhero of 2020

For a device that launched in 2017, the Nintendo Switch turned out to be a powerhouse that kept gamers glued to their screens for years. Suddenly, as the world locked down, people started chasing after video‑games like a last‑minute treasure hunt.

Why the Switch Became a Social Distancing MVP

Compact and portable – Perfect for keeping the stuck‑at‑home vibe going smoothly.
Versatile gameplay – Switch from handheld to TV mode at the flick of a switch.
Friendly for all ages – Makes it easy to bring the entire family into the gaming zone.

Sudden Surge: New Fan‑Base Accelerates

During the pandemic, people looked for an escape. The Switch became the go‑to thing because it was simple, fun and hilarious to play with friends and roommates. The result? Millions of hands gripping Joy‑Cons like they were the prize at a carnival.

Statistics that Will Blow Your Mind

By September 2020, the Switch sold a staggering 15.6 million units worldwide.
That’s a whopping 65% more than the combined sales of PlayStation 4 and Xbox combined!

The numbers were revealed by SafeBettingSites.com, and they don’t lie. In a world averaging a year‑long lockdown, the Switch became the flagship of the gaming universe.

What Makes the Switch a Crowd‑Pleaser?

Its design flexibility (no single “port” – you decide the play style).
It’s affordable and enormously customizable with a wide range of accessories and game options.
Because it can be played anywhere – from the couch to a coffee shop to a corner of your palm.

So, while the whole planet stayed away from public places, the Nintendo Switch stepped up as a viral sensation, giving people a much-needed emotional boost and a dash of holiday‑season laughter. The drama of the pandemic got a spin‑off – Switch‑It‑All-&Then‑Play – and it has left a lasting impression in the hearts of players worldwide.

Nintendo Switch Sales Grows, Play Station 4 and Xbox Consoles Drop

Why Nintendo’s Switch Is a Game‑Changer

It’s no secret that the Switch’s popularity hinges on unbeatable first‑party hits. Think Mario, Zelda, Pokémon – all gold‑class exclusives that you’ll only find on Nintendo gear. Those games are the heavy‑hitters on the Switch’s top‑seller list, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe forever topping the charts.

The Big‑League Console Battle

Play Station 4 knocked out 7.22 million units sold this year (jumping off a 2020 slate), making it the runner‑up superhero in the market.
Xbox One followed with about 2.17 million units – a year‑long figure that still feels mighty.
Meanwhile, the dusty 330,000 Nintendo 3DS sold in the first nine months of 2020 didn’t even touch the Switch’s numbers.

What’s even juicier? The Switch’s sales are sky‑rocking year after year, while the once‑glorious PS4 and Xbox motors are slowing down. That’s the trend for 2023.

A Quick Flashback: Switch Milestones

Released in March 2017: 15.5 million units sold worldwide – that’s one huge fan‑base.
By the end of 2019, cumulative sales hit 49.8 million, a whopping 55% spike from the previous year.
First quarter of 2020 alone brought another 4 million units, bumping the lifetime total to 53.7 million.
From March to August 2020, an extra 9.6 million hopped onto shelves, pushing the grand total to an impressive 63.4 million.

How Sony and Xbox Fell Behind

PS4: Sold almost 20 million in 2017, but by the end of 2019 that dropped to 14.2 million – a 30% decline in two years.
Xbox One: a 35% slide from 7.6 million units in 2017 to 4.9 million last year.

Bottom line: Switch fans haven’t been scooped off; they’ve stayed, the platform’s grew, and the exclusivities keep it buzzing.

Play Station 4 Leads in Lifetime Unit Sales

Game‑Console Showdown: Nintendo Wins Hearts, Sony Wins Shelves

While the Nintendo Switch keeps its crown as the globe’s most beloved handheld‑to‑home hybrid, the PlayStation 4 is still the heavyweight champion when it comes to box‑sales and actual units sold over the long haul.

PlayStation 4’s Sprint to 113 Million Units

First three years (2013‑2016): 35.9 million copies shipped.
Between Jan 2016 and Dec 2017: sales leapt 105% to hit 73.6 million.
Latest run (2018‑2020): another 40 million dropped into the market.
By August 2025: Sony’s tally almost reaches 113 million worldwide.

Xbox One: The Quiet Gambler

As of August 2025: 48.2 million units sold.
Growth over most recent two years: a neat 22% jump.

So, if you’re wondering who’s stealing box‑shelf space, the answer’s clear: Sony’s silver‑styled Sprite still leads the pack—although Nintendo’s cozy, portable charm keeps winning fans every day.