By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
Switch vs 3DS in Japan Sales Comparison - Switch Closes Gap to Under 1 Million in August 2020

Switch vs 3DS in Japan Sales Comparison - Switch Closes Gap to Under 1 Million in August 2020 - Sales

by William D'Angelo , posted on 01 October 2020 / 3,932 Views

The VGChartz sales comparison series of articles are updated monthly and each one focuses on a different sales comparison using our estimated video game hardware figures. The charts include comparisons between the 7th generation and 8th generation platforms, as well as comparisons within the 8th generation. There are articles based on our worldwide estimates, as well as the US, Europe, and Japan.

This monthly series compares the aligned Japanese sales of the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS.

Switch vs 3DS in Japan Sales Comparison - Switch Closes Gap to Under 1 Million in August 2020

Switch vs 3DS in Japan Sales Comparison - Switch Closes Gap to Under 1 Million in August 2020

Switch vs 3DS in Japan Sales Comparison - Switch Closes Gap to Under 1 Million in August 2020

Switch Vs. 3DS Japan:

Gap change in latest month: 286,021 - Switch

Gap change over last 12 months: 2,109,097 - Switch

Total Lead: 988,060 - 3DS

Switch Total Sales: 15,007,368

3DS Total Sales: 15,995,428

August 2020 is the 42nd month that the Nintendo Switch has been available for in Japan. During the latest month, the Switch closed the gap to the 3DS by 286,021 units. In the last 12 months, the Switch has outsold the 3DS by 2.11 million units. The 3DS is currently ahead of the Switch by 988,060 units.

The 3DS launched in February 2011 in Japan and the Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017. This does mean the normal holiday periods and the Japanese Golden Week holiday for the two consoles are off by one month.

The 42nd month for the Switch is August 2020, while for the 3DS it is July 2014. The Switch has sold 15.01 million units, while the 3DS sold 16.00 million units during the same timeframe.

The 3DS has sold 24.62 million units lifetime in Japan through August 2020. The Switch is currently 9.62 million units behind the lifetime sales of the 3DS.


A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.


More Articles

2 Comments
Slownenberg (on 16 September 2020)

Switch is gonna cut through 3DS Japan sales like a knife this holiday season and never looks back.

  • +6
Jumpin (on 17 September 2020)

Switch is gonna commit a means murder!

  • +3