The Final Stretch: Switch Closes Gap with PS2 as Gifting Feature Arrives

The Nintendo Switch has officially entered the final phase of its hardware lifecycle, closing the gap with the legendary PlayStation 2. According to the latest data from VGChartz, the Switch has sold 155.98 million units as of September 2026, leaving it just 4.02 million units shy of the PS2's low-end lifetime sales estimate of 160 million. While the PS2 remains the best-selling console in history, the Switch is chipping away at the lead, having narrowed the deficit by 3.34 million units over the last 12 months alone. This milestone comes as Nintendo prepares to expand the utility of its aging hardware. A new system update, version 23.5.0, has been released for both the original Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2. This update introduces support for gifting Nintendo eShop products to family group members, a feature scheduled to go live via a dedicated eShop update on November 17, 2026. The addition of Portuguese (Portugal) to text-to-speech options and general user experience fixes further rounds out the patch notes. The timing of this gifting feature is particularly notable given the sales trajectory. By enabling digital gifting between family accounts, Nintendo may be attempting to stimulate final sales pushes before the console's eventual retirement. The feature allows users to purchase games and add-ons for other members of their Nintendo Account family group, potentially driving volume in the final months of the Switch's availability. Industry observers have long debated the longevity of hybrid consoles, and the Switch's ability to reach nearly 160 million units is a testament to its enduring appeal. However, the persistent gap with the PS2 highlights the challenges of competing with legacy hardware that defined an entire generation. As the community celebrates the Switch's massive success, the focus now shifts to how these final features will impact the remaining user base. #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI #GamingHistory #SwitchLegacy