In the latest update from Famitsu, Japan's most respected video game industry publication, the release of "Kirby Air Riders" has delivered an impressive performance in the Japanese boxed-video game software market.
Developed and published by Nintendo, the long-awaited title debuted on November 20, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
In its first week, "Kirby Air Riders" sold a remarkable 195,594 boxed copies, signaling a robust launch for the franchise in Japan. The top positions on this week’s software charts include several high-profile releases.
Taking the number one spot, "Kirby Air Riders" was followed by "Mario Kart World," another strong Nintendo title which recorded 67,068 additional units sold, contributing to its cumulative total of over 2.2 million copies.
"Pokemon Legends: Z-A" also continued to maintain momentum across both original Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 editions, with combined weekly sales reaching over 50,000 units between versions and bundled lifetime sales exceeding 2 million copies. Other notable performances include Konami’s "Momotaro Dentetsu 2: Anata no Machi mo Kitto Aru – Higashi Nihon Hen + Nishi Nihon Hen," which registered solid numbers across both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and Koei Tecmo’s "Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment," further establishing Nintendo's dominance in both new releases and legacy title performance.
Long-term hits such as "Minecraft" and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" continue to demonstrate enduring appeal, with total sales surpassing 4 million and 8 million units, respectively, since launch. The hardware segment was led by the Nintendo Switch 2, a testament to its ongoing popularity since arriving on the market.
The Switch 2 moved 126,953 units for the week, pushing its lifetime sales in Japan to 2,870,758 units.
The platform’s continued momentum highlights strong consumer demand, fueled in part by the launch of anticipated titles like "Kirby Air Riders." Nintendo maintained a tight grip on the Japanese hardware charts, with various Switch models—OLED, Lite, and standard—also ranking among the best-sellers.
Industry stalwarts Sony and Microsoft followed with the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series X variants, though these saw significantly lower sales figures in comparison. Speaking on the robust showing, a representative note from the Famitsu report highlighted that the convergence of celebrated IPs and new hardware innovation continues to reinforce Nintendo’s leadership in both software and hardware sales in Japan. In summary, "Kirby Air Riders" has made a significant impact with its opening week, while the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to outperform competitors in hardware sales.
With blockbuster titles and consistent hardware availability, Nintendo sustains its dominant position in the Japanese gaming landscape.
Developed and published by Nintendo, the long-awaited title debuted on November 20, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
In its first week, "Kirby Air Riders" sold a remarkable 195,594 boxed copies, signaling a robust launch for the franchise in Japan. The top positions on this week’s software charts include several high-profile releases.
Taking the number one spot, "Kirby Air Riders" was followed by "Mario Kart World," another strong Nintendo title which recorded 67,068 additional units sold, contributing to its cumulative total of over 2.2 million copies.
"Pokemon Legends: Z-A" also continued to maintain momentum across both original Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 editions, with combined weekly sales reaching over 50,000 units between versions and bundled lifetime sales exceeding 2 million copies. Other notable performances include Konami’s "Momotaro Dentetsu 2: Anata no Machi mo Kitto Aru – Higashi Nihon Hen + Nishi Nihon Hen," which registered solid numbers across both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and Koei Tecmo’s "Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment," further establishing Nintendo's dominance in both new releases and legacy title performance.
Long-term hits such as "Minecraft" and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" continue to demonstrate enduring appeal, with total sales surpassing 4 million and 8 million units, respectively, since launch. The hardware segment was led by the Nintendo Switch 2, a testament to its ongoing popularity since arriving on the market.
The Switch 2 moved 126,953 units for the week, pushing its lifetime sales in Japan to 2,870,758 units.
The platform’s continued momentum highlights strong consumer demand, fueled in part by the launch of anticipated titles like "Kirby Air Riders." Nintendo maintained a tight grip on the Japanese hardware charts, with various Switch models—OLED, Lite, and standard—also ranking among the best-sellers.
Industry stalwarts Sony and Microsoft followed with the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series X variants, though these saw significantly lower sales figures in comparison. Speaking on the robust showing, a representative note from the Famitsu report highlighted that the convergence of celebrated IPs and new hardware innovation continues to reinforce Nintendo’s leadership in both software and hardware sales in Japan. In summary, "Kirby Air Riders" has made a significant impact with its opening week, while the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to outperform competitors in hardware sales.
With blockbuster titles and consistent hardware availability, Nintendo sustains its dominant position in the Japanese gaming landscape.
