Sony leads the way with power and graphics with the Play Station, while Nintendo reigns supreme in accessibility, portability, community, and legacy.
Nintendo and PlayStation have historically been two of the most influential gaming brands worldwide. But in 2025, which of these two companies leads in console sales within the video game market? According to Statista data, for the first time since its launch, the PlayStation 5 surpassed Nintendo Switch in annual sales in 2025, with 5.23 million units sold compared to 3.06 million Switch units.
This shift marks a short-term turning point in leadership, as the Switch has been on the market for eight years, while the PS5, launched in 2020, remains in its growth and expansion phase.
This illustrates the Western preference for Sony's realistic multiplayer franchises, versus Nintendo's family-oriented and hybrid gameplay experience.
Nintendo leads primarily in hardware sales, having built an ecosystem of exclusive titles with intergenerational appeal. Statista's report highlights:
Additionally, the Japanese company has established a community of 34 million Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, strengthening its digital presence without relying on services like Game Pass.
Sony has focused on graphical performance and cinematic experiences. The PS5 has excelled with blockbuster titles like God of War: Ragnarok, Spider-Man 2, and Final Fantasy XVI, boosting its current sales momentum.
Its strategy centers on:
Meanwhile, Nintendo stays out of the technical specification race, emphasizing gameplay, portability, and nostalgia.
According to the report, Nintendo holds at least three of the best-selling consoles of all time:
Sony, meanwhile, has two consoles in that ranking:
This positions Nintendo as the manufacturer with the most best-selling consoles across multiple generations.
The answer depends on perspective:
Sony currently dominates with performance and graphics, while Nintendo reigns in accessibility, portability, community, and legacy. Both brands remain pillars of the global gaming industry, and their rivalry will intensify with the upcoming launch of Nintendo's next-generation hardware.