Nintendo has confirmed that it will officially stop selling the original Nintendo Switch family of consoles across Europe in early 2027, marking the beginning of the end for one of the most successful gaming systems ever released.
The decision affects the entire first generation Switch lineup, including the standard Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED. While current owners will continue to receive online services and support, retailers will no longer be able to order new hardware once the change takes effect.
Nintendo Switch Sales to End in Europe
According to Nintendo of Europe, shipments of original Switch hardware to retailers will stop from mid-February 2027, nearly ten years after the console first launched in March 2017.
The company also confirmed that hardware sales through the official Nintendo Store in Europe will end at the same time.
Retailers will continue selling any remaining inventory, but once existing stock is gone, new units will no longer be supplied.
Existing Owners Will Continue to Receive Support
Although hardware sales are coming to an end, Nintendo says current Switch owners won’t lose access to their games or online features.
Players will still be able to:
- Play their existing game library
- Use Nintendo Switch Online
- Access digital purchases
- Continue using compatible accessories
- Receive ongoing service support for the foreseeable future
Nintendo emphasized that its ecosystem will remain active even after hardware sales end.
A Console That Changed Nintendo Forever
When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it introduced a completely new concept by combining a home console and handheld gaming device into one system.
Its hybrid design quickly attracted millions of players, allowing users to seamlessly switch between playing on a television and gaming on the go.
The console also became home to some of Nintendo’s biggest modern releases, including titles from the Zelda, Mario, Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon franchises.
One of the Best Selling Consoles in Gaming History
The Nintendo Switch has become the most successful console Nintendo has ever produced.
As of the end of 2025, the company reported lifetime sales of more than 155 million units worldwide, surpassing the legendary Nintendo DS to become Nintendo’s best-selling gaming system.
Only Sony’s PlayStation 2 currently remains ahead, with approximately 160 million units sold.
Industry analysts believe the Switch could still challenge that record depending on how long it remains available in other global markets.
Will Other Regions Follow?
At the moment, Nintendo has only confirmed the end of original Switch hardware sales in Europe.
The company has not announced similar plans for North America, Japan, or other regions.
Japan, in particular, remains one of the Switch’s strongest markets, where demand for the console continues to be relatively high. If sales continue there beyond 2027, the Switch may still have an opportunity to close the gap with the PlayStation 2’s lifetime sales record.
Focus Shifting Toward Nintendo Switch 2
The announcement comes as Nintendo continues expanding its next generation of hardware with the Nintendo Switch 2.
With the successor now becoming the company’s primary focus, gradually phasing out the original Switch lineup allows Nintendo to transition consumers to its newer platform while continuing to support millions of existing users.
Final Thoughts
Few gaming consoles have enjoyed the longevity and success of the Nintendo Switch. After nearly a decade on the market, Nintendo is preparing to retire the original hardware in Europe while maintaining support for the millions of players who still use the system every day.
Even as production winds down, the Switch’s legacy is already secure. From redefining hybrid gaming to becoming one of the best-selling consoles of all time, it remains one of Nintendo’s greatest achievements.
