Ever since its release a couple of years ago, the Nintendo Switch has been unstoppable in terms of sales. It’s sold millions of units during that timeframe, thanks to a powerhouse game line-up. And now, the hybrid handheld console has outsold yet another of Nintendo’s legendary systems as the Switch sales have surpassed the N64.
Based on a report from DualShockers (with numbers from VGChartz), the Switch has managed to outsell the Nintendo 64’s lifetime sales within just over two years of release. For the week ending April 6, more than 200,000 units of the Switch have sold, bringing its total number up to 33.15 million units sold worldwide. That’s more than enough to push it past the N64’s lifetime sales of 32.93 million.
This is the latest console to have its sales fall to Nintendo’s new champ. Previously, it lapped the Wii U’s lifetime sales of 12 million in just about one year of release. And then it beat the GameCube’s lifetime sales shortly thereafter.
So what’s the next milestone then? The Super Nintendo seems to be the most likely target, as it sold more than 49.1 million units during its run back in the ’90s. It may take another few years or so for the Switch to reach that number. But with the promising lineup of games it has – and rumors of a budget model coming soon – it’ll eventually get there.
There has been some talk of the Switch getting some decent announcements around E3. First off, rumors circulated about a potential partnership between Nintendo and Microsoft to bring more games and online features to the system, something signaled by the recent Cuphead Switch port. Then there’s the potential for surprise game reveals, such as the rumored Metroid Prime Trilogy port. Nothing’s set in stone, but Nintendo hasn’t been one to shy away from E3 surprises in the past.
10 Xbox Switch Games
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10 Xbox Games We Want on Nintendo Switch
The recent rumors that Microsoft might be bringing their games over to Nintendo's platform has the entire gaming world abuzz. Sure, heavy hitters like Halo and Gears would be amazing to play on the go. However, there are plenty of Xbox originals that fit it perfectly with the Switch's existing lineup. -
Blue Dragon
One of Microsoft's many attempts to get in good with Japan, Blue Dragon is a colorful and stylish JRPG with characters designed by Akira Toriyama. Further entries in the series have already found success on Nintendo handhelds, so bringing this old gem back to the forefront could be a great move. -
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
One of the pillars of the original Xbox Live experience, Crimson Skies is an arcadey dogfighting game that plays great even today. Microsoft has never really attempted anything like this again despite putting it out as the face of Xbox One backward compatibility. Except for just once... -
Snoopy Flying Ace
An Xbox hidden gem if there ever was one, Microsoft published Snoopy Flying Ace on Xbox Live Arcade to critical acclaim. Even if players were put off by the childish characters, it feels like the second coming that Crimson Skies never got. When it comes to the Switch, either of these high flying gems will do. -
Hexic
Nintendo has Tetris. Sega has Columns. Microsoft has Hexic. A game about rotating and matching blocks à la Bejewled, Hexic has some much welcome mechanical complexity thanks to its status as a product of Alexey Pajitnov's brilliant mind. A new entry in the series or a port of Hexic 2 would fit right in on bus rides and rooftop parties. -
Ilomilo
A co-op puzzler, ilomilo stole players hearts in much the same way that Yarny did with the release of Unravel. Microsoft has never been known for courting cutesy characters, but Ilo and Milo certainly have the same aura of some of Nintendo's recent ventures into crafts and yarn. -
Killer Instinct
A jam-packed fighting game overshadowed by other titles at the Xbox One's launch, more people deserve to play what multiple developers have created over three seasons. With robust single player support and plenty of fun guest characters, it would the perfect way to see the Battletoads make their way back to Nintendo's arms. -
Phantom Dust
Phantom Dust is currently available free to download on Windows and Xbox One, but it's still probably a hidden gem. A complex card battling system and a distinct style mark this unique Xbox game. With a failed remake already on the books, it's possible Microsoft may perceive the IP as tainted, but we can still hope for another try at the series. -
Screamride
A unique theme park simulation thing from Frontier Developments, Screamride didn't make a huge splash upon its debut in 2015. Still, the creation and destruction tech had some neat ideas even if the package itself was an unbalanced whole. It'd be worth revisiting once again, perhaps in a portable incarnation. -
Voodoo Vince
Voodoo Vince is a game more people have probably heard about than played. It's a weird 3D adventure that was advertised like a platformer, which probably did a lot to cause that. Still, it's one of Xbox's more stylish exclusives and its cartoony violence would make it appropriate for every Switch owner. -
Zoo Tycoon
One of Microsoft's longest running gaming franchises, the latest edition of Zoo Tycoon is a delightful jeep simulator that happens to have animals in it. Animals you can hose down at your leisure. It's bizarrely relaxing and would fit right in alongside a new Animal Crossing.
