Nintendo Switch 2 Dominates with Mario Kart World: Latest Japanese Software Sales Charts

Nintendo Switch 2 has cemented its presence as the dominant platform in Japan’s weekly software sales, according to data released by Famitsu. As of this week, Mario Kart World continues to lead the pack, illustrating the enduring popularity of Nintendo’s flagship franchises and the strong engagement with the latest hardware iteration, Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Kart World Claims the Top Spot At the top of the chart, Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2 recorded an impressive 102,435 units sold this week, further boosting its cumulative total to 2,354,146 copies. This milestone solidifies Mario Kart World as not only a powerhouse on the Nintendo Switch 2, but also as a pivotal force driving software sales for Nintendo's newest console generation. Kirby Air Riders Takes Second Place Just behind is Kirby Air Riders for Nintendo Switch 2, which sold 46,737 copies this week, bringing its total to 288,618 units. Kirby’s latest airborne adventure continues to enjoy robust sales, highlighting the character’s enduring appeal among Japanese fans. Pokemon Legends: Z-A Maintains Strong Performance Rounding out the top three are the two iterations of Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition reported 44,331 sales this week (for a total of 862,377), while the Nintendo Switch version added 40,441 to its total, pushing it to 1,347,242 copies. The dual-platform presence of the latest Pokémon title speaks to the impressive commercial reach and continued relevance of the franchise. Debut Titles and Noteworthy Performances This week saw several new entries, including Octopath Traveler 0, which debuted across Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PlayStation 5 platforms. The Nintendo Switch version opened with 21,698 units, while Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 editions sold 18,083 and 19,533 copies respectively. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond also made its debut on Nintendo Switch 2 with 21,415 sold, further demonstrating the anticipation around Nintendo’s upcoming releases. Long-Standing Hits Remain Steady Long-running favorites continue to perform. Minecraft for Nintendo Switch sold an additional 9,017 units, bringing its staggering lifetime sales to 4,066,399. Similarly, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate sold 8,558 and 5,118 copies respectively, with both crossing significant sales milestones — 8,274,414 and 5,825,550 units in total. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe maintained a strong presence with another 4,765 in weekly sales, further reinforcing the continued demand for legacy Nintendo titles on both the original and newer platforms. Industry Analysis and Developer Success The dominance of Nintendo-published titles on both Switch and Switch 2 platforms—featuring games such as Momotaro Dentetsu 2, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake, and Donkey Kong Bananza—demonstrates the consistent strength of Nintendo’s first- and second-party software ecosystem. Famitsu’s data underscores not only high launch figures but also impressive longevity for established franchises. To summarize, the latest Famitsu sales charts highlight the robust performance of Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan, with Mario Kart World, Kirby Air Riders, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A leading the way. These hardware and software results reaffirm Nintendo’s dominant market position and the Japanese audience’s enduring enthusiasm for both new and classic gaming experiences on Nintendo platforms.