Nintendo has shattered industry expectations once again, officially confirming that the Nintendo Switch 2 sales have reached a monumental 17.37 million units sold worldwide as of December 31, 2025. The blockbuster announcement, revealed in the company's latest Nintendo 2026 financial results, coincides with a viral marketing campaign for the upcoming sports title Mario Tennis Fever. In a move that has set the internet ablaze, the game's latest trailer confirms the Baby Waluigi debut, marking the character's first-ever appearance in the Super Mario franchise.
Switch 2 Smashes Records with 17 Million Units Sold
According to the fresh financial data released this morning, the Nintendo Switch 2 sales momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Having launched in June 2025, the console has surpassed the lifetime sales of the Wii U (13.56 million) in just seven months on the market. This rapid adoption rate makes it the fastest-selling hardware in Nintendo's history, outpacing even the original Switch's launch trajectory.
The report also highlighted a historic milestone for the original Switch, which has now reached 155.37 million lifetime sales, officially dethroning the Nintendo DS to become the company’s best-selling console of all time. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa cited the "seamless transition" between generations and the backward compatibility library as key drivers for this dual success.
"We are seeing unprecedented engagement," the report states, noting that software attachment rates are at an all-time high. Launch titles like Mario Kart World have already shipped over 14 million copies, cementing the new hardware's place in living rooms globally.
Mario Tennis Fever Trailer: A Roster Revolution
While the financial numbers pleased investors, gamers were focused on the high-energy Mario Tennis Fever trailer that dropped alongside the earnings call. Set to launch exclusively on Switch 2 on February 12, 2026, the game promises to be the most robust entry in the series yet. The trailer showcased the new "Fever Racket" mechanic, which allows players to unleash court-altering special effects once their meter is full.
The footage confirmed a massive 38-character roster, the largest in the series' history. Returning favorites like Boo and Dry Bowser were shown utilizing the new physics engine, which features tighter controls and smaller, more intense court designs compared to 2018's Mario Tennis Aces. However, one specific character reveal has completely dominated the social media conversation.
Baby Waluigi Playable Character Details
For the first time in the 40-year history of the franchise, fans will finally see the Baby Waluigi debut. The trailer concludes with a cinematic shot of the pint-sized anti-hero stepping onto the court, donning tiny orange shoes and a miniature purple cap. Classified as a "Defensive" type character, Baby Waluigi playable stats suggest he will excel at maintaining baseline rallies and countering power shots.
This addition marks a significant moment for Waluigi fans, who have campaigned for years to see the character get more spotlight. He joins other newcomers like Baby Wario and a playable Goomba, rounding out a roster that embraces the chaotic fun Nintendo sports games are known for. Analysts predict the "Baby Waluigi factor" could drive significant pre-order boosts ahead of the game's release next week.
Nintendo 2026 Financial Results & Future Outlook
The Nintendo 2026 financial results paint a picture of a company in its prime. Net sales are up 99.3% year-on-year, driven heavily by the higher price point of the Switch 2 hardware and its premium software lineup. The report mentions that despite manufacturing costs associated with the new system's enhanced specs, operating profits have risen by over 21%.
Looking ahead, the company teased several upcoming Switch 2 games to maintain this momentum throughout 2026. Beyond Mario Tennis Fever, the report reconfirmed the release windows for Pokémon Pokopia in March and a major DLC expansion for Donkey Kong Bananza later this summer. With the hardware install base already clearing the 17 million units sold hurdle, third-party support is also expected to ramp up significantly in the second half of the year.
As the Switch 2 approaches its first full year on the market, Nintendo's strategy of pairing heavy-hitting hardware numbers with viral content like the Baby Waluigi debut appears to be a winning formula. With Mario Tennis Fever just days away, all eyes will be on whether the software can match the record-breaking pace of the console itself.
