TOKYO, Japan: Nintendo’s latest console is off to a roaring start. The company says it has sold over 3.5 million units of the newly released Switch 2 in just four days — making it the fastest-selling hardware launch in Nintendo’s history.

The upgraded hybrid console hit shelves on June 5 and has quickly outpaced previous releases, riding on intense fan anticipation and a lineup of blockbuster titles.

“Fans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go,” said Doug Bowser, President and COO of Nintendo of America.

The Kyoto-based company expects Switch 2 sales to hit 15 million in the current financial year ending next March — a target analysts say could be reachable given the opening momentum.

While the new model closely resembles the original Switch in form and function, it features a larger screen and more powerful graphics capabilities. Early sales have been helped by bundled games such as “Mario Kart World,” and interest in continued franchises like “The Legend of Zelda.”

Nintendo’s first-generation Switch, released in 2017, has sold 152 million units to date. It became a cultural phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with breakout hits like “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”

The Switch 2’s strong launch reaffirms Nintendo’s enduring appeal in a gaming market where competition from Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox remains fierce.