Nintendo Switch 2 Leads Japanese Game Sales: Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders Dominate the Charts
This past week has delivered robust figures in the Japanese software market, with the Nintendo Switch 2 securing its position as the dominant platform.
According to official sales data published by Famitsu, Nintendo's latest hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2, has powered a new generation of top-selling titles, further cementing the company's hold on the region's gaming landscape. At the forefront is "Mario Kart World" for Nintendo Switch 2, which sold an impressive 49,586 units this week, ballooning its cumulative sales to over 2.25 million copies.
This achievement demonstrates Mario Kart’s unwavering popularity, a franchise that has remained a cornerstone of Nintendo’s portfolio since its inception.
Meanwhile, "Kirby Air Riders" also made a significant impact with weekly sales of 46,287 units and a total exceeding 240,000 since launch.
Both titles showcase Nintendo’s capability to revitalize classic franchises and appeal to both new and returning players on the Switch 2 platform. "Pokemon Legends: Z-A" continues its strong track record across both consoles, with the original Nintendo Switch version moving 35,225 units this week and the dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adding another 20,031 units.
Together, the combined sales for the franchise approach a remarkable two million units.
Following closely, "Momotaro Dentetsu 2" impresses with solid showings on both Switch and Switch 2, underlining Konami's reach in the lucrative Japanese market. Other highlights from this week’s chart include perennial best-sellers like "Minecraft," achieving an astounding total of over 4 million copies on Switch, and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," which has now reached more than 8.26 million total units in Japan—underscoring the huge demand for lifestyle simulation games.
Meanwhile, new releases such as "Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake" and "Donkey Kong Bananza" also make notable entries on both the Switch and Switch 2. The continued success of Nintendo’s first-party franchises is further evidenced by the sustained sales of popular titles like "Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2," "Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate," and "Super Mario Party Jamboree." Even years after launch, titles such as "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" and "Splatoon 3" maintain a position among the weekly top sellers, chalking up lifetime sales of 6.47 million and 4.48 million, respectively. A Famitsu spokesperson emphasized the enduring strength of Nintendo's software, stating that the company's franchises, supported by successful hardware iterations like the Nintendo Switch 2, set the standard for the Japanese market in both consistency and innovation. In summary, Nintendo’s latest sales data affirms that the Nintendo Switch 2 has invigorated the market, buoyed by a strong library of first-party games and the enduring appeal of iconic franchises.
With ongoing support through the eShop and regular Nintendo Direct updates, the Switch platform continues to dominate Japan’s gaming scene and chart enduring success stories week after week. For more insights and past sales trends, consult Famitsu’s comprehensive charts on the evolving Japanese gaming market.
According to official sales data published by Famitsu, Nintendo's latest hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2, has powered a new generation of top-selling titles, further cementing the company's hold on the region's gaming landscape. At the forefront is "Mario Kart World" for Nintendo Switch 2, which sold an impressive 49,586 units this week, ballooning its cumulative sales to over 2.25 million copies.
This achievement demonstrates Mario Kart’s unwavering popularity, a franchise that has remained a cornerstone of Nintendo’s portfolio since its inception.
Meanwhile, "Kirby Air Riders" also made a significant impact with weekly sales of 46,287 units and a total exceeding 240,000 since launch.
Both titles showcase Nintendo’s capability to revitalize classic franchises and appeal to both new and returning players on the Switch 2 platform. "Pokemon Legends: Z-A" continues its strong track record across both consoles, with the original Nintendo Switch version moving 35,225 units this week and the dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adding another 20,031 units.
Together, the combined sales for the franchise approach a remarkable two million units.
Following closely, "Momotaro Dentetsu 2" impresses with solid showings on both Switch and Switch 2, underlining Konami's reach in the lucrative Japanese market. Other highlights from this week’s chart include perennial best-sellers like "Minecraft," achieving an astounding total of over 4 million copies on Switch, and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," which has now reached more than 8.26 million total units in Japan—underscoring the huge demand for lifestyle simulation games.
Meanwhile, new releases such as "Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake" and "Donkey Kong Bananza" also make notable entries on both the Switch and Switch 2. The continued success of Nintendo’s first-party franchises is further evidenced by the sustained sales of popular titles like "Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2," "Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate," and "Super Mario Party Jamboree." Even years after launch, titles such as "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" and "Splatoon 3" maintain a position among the weekly top sellers, chalking up lifetime sales of 6.47 million and 4.48 million, respectively. A Famitsu spokesperson emphasized the enduring strength of Nintendo's software, stating that the company's franchises, supported by successful hardware iterations like the Nintendo Switch 2, set the standard for the Japanese market in both consistency and innovation. In summary, Nintendo’s latest sales data affirms that the Nintendo Switch 2 has invigorated the market, buoyed by a strong library of first-party games and the enduring appeal of iconic franchises.
With ongoing support through the eShop and regular Nintendo Direct updates, the Switch platform continues to dominate Japan’s gaming scene and chart enduring success stories week after week. For more insights and past sales trends, consult Famitsu’s comprehensive charts on the evolving Japanese gaming market.
