The race from launch day
Cumulative units by months since each console's own launch. Sources can measure shipments, customer sales or estimates; figures between reports are modelled.
Side by side
| NES | Switch | |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative units (estimated) | 61,910,000 | ≈ 157,060,388 |
| After 9y 7m on sale | ≈ 55.2M | ≈ 157M |
| Released | July 15, 1983 | March 3, 2017 |
| Time on the market | 20y 8m | 9y 7m |
| Average per day | ≈ 8K | ≈ 45K |
| Status | Discontinued | On sale |
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which sold more, the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Nintendo Switch?
As of October 30, 2026, the Nintendo Switch leads our tracked comparison: about 157.1 million units against 61.9 million for the Nintendo Entertainment System, a gap of 95.2 million. Figures may mix reported shipments, customer sales and estimates.
How many Nintendo Entertainment System and Nintendo Switch consoles have been sold?
Nintendo Entertainment System: 61.91 million units as of March 31, 2004 (Nintendo annual results, fiscal year to March 2004; measurement not specified). Nintendo Switch: 156.6 million units as of June 30, 2026 (Nintendo earnings, quarter to June 2026; sell-in (units shipped)).
Figures can measure shipments, customer sales or estimates; these are not directly interchangeable. Between reports our model projects an estimate, not observed transactions. The changing digits show the model's output, not its accuracy. Its inputs and assumptions are corrected when new figures are available. Sources and method