Switch 2: more than 23 million consoles sold and Minecraft goes native on October 27
A year and a half after launch, the Switch 2 has passed 23 million units and still tops the sales charts in Japan. Minecraft arrives in a native version with a free upgrade.
Launched in June 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 keeps going strong. Sales are slowing down a little after a record start, but the console remains the best-seller in Japan week after week. And on October 27, it welcomes one of the most played games in the world in a version finally tailored for it.
The sales figures
- 23.68 million Switch 2 units sold worldwide as of June 30, 2026, according to Nintendo's latest official figures. Enough to beat the GameCube's lifetime total.
- 3.82 million units shipped from April to June 2026, a quarter down 34.4% year on year, which makes sense after the launch effect.
- 16.5 million: that's Nintendo's target for its fiscal year ending in late March 2027.
In Japan, the console still dominates Famitsu's weekly charts: 22,420 units sold in the week of October 5 to 11, then 21,854 in the week ending October 18, topping hardware sales each time.
Minecraft moves to Switch 2 on October 27
Mojang has confirmed it: Minecraft arrives in a native version on Switch 2 on October 27, 2026.
- Graphics: the “Vibrant Visuals” mode (improved lighting, reflections and shadows) is turned on by default. However, it isn't available in split screen or with some Marketplace worlds.
- Saves: worlds from the Switch version can be transferred.
- Free upgrade: owners of the digital Switch version can get the standard Switch 2 edition for free until January 31, 2027. The Deluxe and Ultimate editions still cost money, at a reduced price.
- Mario: the Super Mario Mash-Up pack is updated for the occasion.
And right now on the eShop
Nintendo has launched its Halloween sale on Switch 2 and Switch. It's the perfect time to grow your game library before the wave of year-end releases.
Our take
The Switch 2 no longer has the frantic pace of its early days, but it's settling in for the long haul. The day-one arrival of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Minecraft's native version show that major publishers now take it very seriously.
Frequently asked questions
How many Switch 2 consoles have been sold?
23.68 million units worldwide as of June 30, 2026, according to Nintendo's latest official figures.
When does Minecraft come out on Switch 2?
October 27, 2026, in a native version, with the Vibrant Visuals graphics mode turned on by default.
Is the Minecraft Switch 2 upgrade free?
Yes for the standard edition, for owners of the digital Switch version, until January 31, 2027 (excluding Japan and Taiwan). The Deluxe and Ultimate editions still cost money, at a reduced price.
Sources
- Nintendo Switch 2 — Wikipedia
- Tales of Eternia Remastered and More Debut on the Japanese Charts, Switch 2 Sells 22K — VGChartz
- Nintendo Switch 2 No. 1 in Oct. 11 Japan sales — Punch Jump
- Minecraft for Switch 2 launches October 27 — Gematsu
- Minecraft's long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade is now official — Windows Central
- Minecraft Hits Switch 2 October 27 With Free Upgrade for Digital Owners — GodisaGeek
- Nintendo announces Halloween 2026 sale for Switch 2 and Switch — Nintendo Everything
Information checked as of the publication date; release dates and figures may change. Our method and corrections.
