Mario Kart World Leads Japanese Software Sales as Nintendo Switch 2 Dominates Hardware Charts

Nintendo once again solidifies its leading position in the Japanese gaming market, as reported in the latest Famitsu sales figures.

Mario Kart World, the newest installment in the beloved racing franchise, has maintained its dominance at the top of Japan’s boxed software sales chart, showcasing remarkable staying power since its launch on Nintendo Switch 2. Released on June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World continues its impressive run, selling an additional 33,861 physical copies this week and pushing its cumulative boxed sales to a substantial 1,766,296 units.

This performance reflects the enduring popularity of the Mario Kart series and underscores Nintendo's consistent appeal among Japanese gamers.

According to Famitsu, the Switch 2 hardware is equally unyielding, shifting 40,711 units over the same period, with total lifetime sales now reaching 2,065,472. Other notable newcomers in the software rankings include Nihon Falcom’s "Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter," which debuted on both PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch platforms.

The PS5 version sold 21,511 units, closely matched by the Switch version at 21,453 units, signaling a strong launch for the classic RPG’s latest release.

Nintendo’s own "Donkey Kong Bananza" has also maintained a solid presence, moving 11,300 copies and reaching a lifetime total of 318,441. The classic hits continue to perform, with "Minecraft" on Nintendo Switch adding 5,762 copies this week and maintaining a staggering lifetime boxed sales figure of 4,007,619.

Similarly, the enduring sales of "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" (originally released April 28, 2017) reached 5,203 more units for a total of 6,445,312, emphasizing Nintendo’s long-term software strength on the Switch platform. On the hardware side, the Nintendo Switch 2 remains Japan’s best-selling console for the week.

The Switch OLED Model and Switch Lite also charted well, selling 9,034 and 5,412 units, respectively.

PlayStation 5 and its Digital Edition followed with 4,307 and 2,141 units sold.

The Xbox Series X trailed with 250 units, further highlighting Nintendo’s significant lead in the region. Noteworthy statements from industry analysts point to Mario Kart World’s sustained sales momentum and the impressive hardware demand for Nintendo Switch 2 as clear indicators of Nintendo’s continued influence in the Japanese gaming landscape.

The publisher’s ability to maintain strong physical and hardware sales, especially in a rapidly digitizing market, remains a benchmark for the industry. These latest Famitsu charts reinforce Nintendo’s robust presence in both software and hardware segments, with flagship titles and innovative new releases ensuring sustained success in an ever-evolving market landscape.

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