The Nintendo Switch has finally outsold the Wii in the US after six years

The Nintendo Switch is continuing to break long-held console sales records, and this time it’s a US-only milestone. The handheld/console hybrid has finally outsold the Wii in the US after six years, a feat made even more impressive when you consider that it’s been on the market for half as long as the motion control system. According to GamesIndustry, the Switch’s latest success is likely due to the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom earlier this year. The Zelda title’s fervent word-of-mouth appeal likely helped push sales for the console over the Wii, though it still has to surpass the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2 to take the top spot in US lifetime hardware sales.

The Switch’s success can be attributed to its unique combination of portable and console gaming, its strong slate of first-party titles, and increased hardware availability. Although rumors are swirling around the launch of a potential successor to the current console, the Switch’s continued success is testament to its enduring popularity and the strength of its library. With the likes of Super Mario Odyssey, Metroid Dread, and the last two mainline Zelda titles available on the platform, there’s plenty to keep players hooked.

Moreover, the Switch’s recent successes have put it on track to overtake both Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 2. To pass the 360, the Switch needs to sell another million units in the US, while to overtake PS2, it would need to sell an additional five million units.

The Wii was a success in its own right, introducing millions of consumers to video game consoles with its quirky motion controls and pack-in title, Wii Sports. However, the system’s audience tended to be very limited in terms of their interest in other console games, and many lapsed after the initial burst of engagement. In contrast, the Switch’s audience is far broader and more diverse, making it a much better long-term investment for both third-party developers and Nintendo itself.

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