PS5 Finally Breaks 33-Month Nintendo Switch Top Sales Streak

For the past 33 months, the Nintendo Switch has been the best-selling piece of video game hardware, but the home console/handheld hybrid was finally dethroned in September by the PlayStation 5. Sony’s latest console has been in high demand, and sales figures back that up, as the Switch’s popularity has been unwavering since its release in 2017.

According to new data from the NPD Group, the PlayStation 5 outsold the Switch in terms of both units sold and money made in September 2021, an organization dedicated to analyzing the retail landscape. This brought an end to Nintendo’s hot streak, as the Switch had been the best-selling console since August 2018.

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While it’s possible that a console that can’t seem to stay in stock outsold the Switch, it’s possible that Switch sales dipped in September due to the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. Because Nintendo was preparing to release an updated version of the system, many fans interested in purchasing a Switch were likely waiting until the most recent model was released before making a purchase.

It remains to be seen whether October returns the Switch to the top of the charts, but even if it doesn’t, being a best-seller for 33 months is quite an accomplishment, especially considering the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S were all released during that timeframe.

The PlayStation 5’s stock issues demonstrate how much demand there is for the new console. Retailers are literally struggling to keep them on the shelves, and Sony has resorted to requiring fans to register in order to purchase one in an attempt to combat console scalping.

According to experts, the console shortage is expected to last until 2022 and possibly all the way until the end of next year. The shortage is affecting gaming hardware sales across the industry, so PS5 sales are likely to be lower than expected before the ongoing pandemic began.

Although it may not be the best news for Nintendo, the fact that a new console is outselling the Switch gives PlayStation fans who are still waiting for the PS5 some hope. Stock may not be as stable as Sony would like, but knowing that fans can buy the console makes it feel like the systems are almost within reach.

Christian Allen Tandoc
Christian Allen Tandoc
Christian Allen Tandoc is a frantic writer, blogger, and ghostwriter. He quit his office job as an Applications Engineer for the love of writing. When he’s not working, he’s either playing with his PS4 or his 1-year old daughter.

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