Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World Lead Japanese Game Sales: Famitsu Sales Chart Analysis

This week, the latest Japanese software sales data, sourced from Famitsu, reveals a dynamic landscape shaped by new releases and platform momentum.

Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated successor to Nintendo's flagship hardware, has made a strong impact, with several titles capturing top spots on the charts.

The detailed ranking offers a snapshot of consumer preferences and shifting trends within the Japanese gaming market. Leading the list is 'Mario Kart World' on the Nintendo Switch 2, amassing 145,069 units sold during the week and surpassing a cumulative total of 1,185,113 copies.

This underscores the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s kart-racing franchise and demonstrates strong early adoption for the Switch 2 platform.

Meanwhile, Bandai Namco’s 'Tamagotchi Plaza' made its debut across both the regular Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 models, selling 102,289 and 26,396 units respectively, collectively solidifying its position as a standout new release. On PlayStation 5, Kojima Productions' 'Death Stranding 2' secured third place with 71,964 units sold in its launch week, highlighting continued interest and success for Sony Interactive Entertainment’s first-party titles within Japan.

Classic properties also enjoyed renewed attention: Konami’s 'Castlevania Anniversary Collection' debuted on Switch with 12,917 units sold and additionally charted on PlayStation 4. Key evergreen titles continued their robust performance.

'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' for the Nintendo Switch added 5,569 units to its already remarkable 6,358,819 lifetime sales in Japan, while Mojang Studios' 'Minecraft' on Switch sold 5,513 units, reaching a cumulative 3,923,387.

Another notable performer is 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' at 5,154 weekly sales, for a total of 8,154,577 units sold—making it one of the best-selling games on the platform. The chart also features a variety of titles across genres and platforms, such as 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition' and its sequel 'Tears of the Kingdom,' both launching new versions for the Switch 2 to coincide with the platform’s arrival.

Fan-favorite party games, RPGs like 'Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma,' and action titles such as 'Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut' illustrate the diverse library currently attracting Japanese players. Reflecting on these numbers, Nintendo’s consistent presence in both new releases and sustained sellers—combined with a strong debut for Switch 2 software—cements the company's dominant position in the Japanese market.

Sony’s PlayStation 5 continues to draw attention with major releases like 'Death Stranding 2,' demonstrating healthy competition. For a comprehensive view, full Japanese software sales reports, including past charts, can be accessed through Famitsu.

As the industry awaits upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and further eShop expansions, all eyes remain on how these sales trends will evolve with the continued rollout of Nintendo Switch 2 and expanding multi-platform support.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo PlayStation Mario Switch 2 Famitsu Switch Kart Tamagotchi Plaza PlayStation 5 Sony Interactive Entertainment Death Stranding 2 Castlevania Anniversary Collection Zelda Minecraft Animal Crossing Super Mario Party Jamboree Rune Factory Raidou Remastered Yakuza 0 Elden Ring Nightreign Clubhouse Games