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Yes—by the launch-gap measure used in a 2024 comparison, Nintendo Switch set a record for the longest wait between a Nintendo home console’s first global launch and its successor’s launch. On July 11, 2024, it had gone 2,687 days since its March 3, 2017 debut, one day longer than the Famicom’s reported 2,686-day gap before the Super Famicom. The qualification matters: the original Game Boy’s handheld interval was longer, and Nintendo Switch 2’s June 5, 2025 launch ended the Switch’s run without proving that support or sales ended then.
What did “longest-lasting” mean for the Switch?
The claim refers to the time between successive home-console launches, not the total lifespan of a product. Video Games Chronicle (VGC) compared each home console’s first global launch with the launch of its successor, excluding the end date from the day count. By that method, the Switch passed the Famicom’s record on July 11, 2024.
| Console interval | Reported launch gap | What the figure means |
|---|---|---|
| Famicom to Super Famicom | 2,686 days | VGC’s reported interval between first global launches, excluding the successor’s launch date. VGC, July 11, 2024 |
| Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 | 2,687 days as of July 11, 2024 | On the milestone date, Switch had been on the market this long without a successor home-console launch. The successor launched later, on June 5, 2025. VGC, July 11, 2024; Nintendo, April 2, 2025 |
| Wii U to Nintendo Switch | 1,566 days | VGC’s reported interval using the same home-console comparison. VGC, July 11, 2024 |
Does the Game Boy count?
It counts as a Nintendo system, but it is a handheld rather than a home console. VGC reports 4,352 days between the original Game Boy’s launch and the Game Boy Advance’s launch—longer than the Switch’s home-console gap. So the Switch was not Nintendo’s longest-running system under every possible category; its record is specifically for the reported home-console launch-gap comparison. VGC, July 11, 2024
When did the Switch’s record interval end?
Nintendo announced that Switch 2 would launch on June 5, 2025. That successor launch ended the Switch’s period without a replacement. It does not, by itself, mark the end of Nintendo’s support for Switch, its manufacturing, or its retail availability; the launch date establishes only when the next console arrived. Nintendo also says Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, with some exceptions. Nintendo, April 2, 2025
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
How does the sales context fit?
Nintendo’s worldwide cumulative hardware sales table lists 156.59 million Nintendo Switch units and 23.68 million Nintendo Switch 2 units as of June 30, 2026. Those totals show the scale of each system’s sales by that date; they are not measures of how long Nintendo supported either console or how long either remained available. Nintendo Co., Ltd., hardware sales data
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
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