Nintendo Switch Dominates Japanese Software Sales: Latest Famitsu Chart Highlights Top Performers

The Japanese gaming market witnessed another week of stellar performances from Nintendo platforms, as reflected in the latest Famitsu software sales charts.

Dominated by titles for the Nintendo Switch and the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the rankings offer a clear view of the enduring popularity of key franchises and the strong momentum behind Nintendo’s hardware in 2024. At the forefront, 'Mario Kart World' for Nintendo Switch 2 secured the top position, posting 38,483 copies sold for the week, bringing its cumulative total to 1,694,409 units.

The game continues Nintendo’s legacy of high-octane racing entertainment, building on the unprecedented success of the Mario Kart series, renowned for its broad demographic appeal and evergreen sales figures. Following closely, 'Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots' made its impressive debut on the Nintendo Switch, with 35,139 copies sold.

The PlayStation 5 version of the same title also entered the chart with 16,075 copies, demonstrating strong cross-platform demand and cementing the game's relevance in the sports genre.

"The market response to 'Everybody's Golf Hot Shots' highlights the franchise’s enduring charm for both Nintendo and PlayStation audiences," the Famitsu report noted. Other standout performances include 'Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar' for Nintendo Switch, selling 13,505 units this week for a total of 60,091, and 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2' with a weekly tally of 12,061 copies, extending its cumulative sales to 109,486.

'Donkey Kong Bananza' on Switch 2 also maintained strong momentum, surpassing 296,000 total units sold.

'Super Robot Wars Y' and high-profile third-party titles such as 'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' and 'Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion' showcased remarkable chart entries, contributing to a dynamic market landscape. Among long-term performers, 'Minecraft' for Nintendo Switch hit an astonishing 3,996,318 lifetime sales, demonstrating not only Nintendo’s platform appeal but also the sustained relevance of global gaming phenomena.

'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' and 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' continue to add to their massive totals, now standing at 6,436,097 and 8,213,248 units sold, respectively.

'Super Mario Party Jamboree', 'Kirby and the Forgotten Land', and 'Pokémon Scarlet/Violet' also figure prominently in the top 30, reaffirming the staying power of Nintendo’s iconic franchises. Famitsu’s weekly data, drawn from retail sales, provides valuable insight into Japanese consumer preferences and the enduring strength of Nintendo’s first-party lineup.

As new releases and editions—such as Switch 2-specific upgrades for 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' and 'Kirby and the Forgotten Land'—arrive, the Japanese market continues to reward innovation and nostalgia in equal measure.

The robust performance across both legacy and new titles signals that Nintendo remains firmly at the center of Japan’s gaming ecosystem. For developers and industry observers, these sales milestones serve as a benchmark for strategic planning around the Nintendo Switch eShop, anticipated Nintendo Direct announcements, and future franchise investments.

As the competitive landscape evolves, Nintendo’s powerful blend of hardware innovation, beloved IP, and broad player engagement keeps the brand at the forefront of the industry. For access to the latest Japanese sales data and past charts, credit is due to Famitsu, a trusted source within the global gaming community.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Famitsu Switch Golf Everybody’s Golf Kart Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots Story of Seasons Grand Bazaar Donkey Kong Bananza Demon Slayer The Hinokami Chronicles Super Robot Wars Y Metal Gear Solid Delta Daemon x Machina Minecraft Super Mario Party Jamboree Kirby and the Forgotten Land Animal Crossing New Horizons Nintendo Switch Sports The Legend of Zelda Tamagotchi Plaza Shinobi Art of Vengeance Clubhouse Games Pokemon Scarlet Pokemon Violet Super Smash Bros. Ultimate The Exit 8