Published on: February 03, 2025
Famitsu, Japan’s leading gaming magazine, has released its latest "Most Wanted" video games chart, reflecting reader preferences and industry trends for the period of January 15th to January 21st.
This chart, a staple of the Japanese gaming landscape, offers valuable insight into the current interests and purchasing intentions of the region’s dedicated gamers.
The results continue to make headlines as Monster Hunter Wilds, developed by Capcom, maintains its stronghold at the top with significant support from voters.
Monster Hunter Wilds Secures Top Spot
Monster Hunter Wilds, the newest entry in the celebrated action RPG series, reinforces its status as one of the most eagerly awaited titles.
Garnering a substantial 914 votes, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) version outpaced all competitors in this week's chart.
Since its announcement, Monster Hunter Wilds has consistently generated excitement due to Capcom’s reputation for delivering expansive worlds and robust cooperative gameplay experiences.
In a statement paraphrased from the publication, Famitsu credits the game’s ongoing dominance in the reader poll to its anticipated innovations and longstanding popularity with both core fans and newcomers to the franchise.
This week’s results signal sustained enthusiasm for Capcom’s development efforts and affirm Monster Hunter’s cultural resonance within the Japanese gaming community.
Nintendo Switch Titles Dominate the Top Ten
The Nintendo Switch (NSW) continues to enjoy strong representation in the rankings.
Notably, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake demonstrated significant cross-platform appeal, accumulating 742 votes for the Nintendo Switch and 281 votes for the PS5.
The remake utilizes Square Enix’s acclaimed HD-2D visual style and is highly anticipated among RPG enthusiasts, marking a notable evolution for the franchise as it celebrates its enduring legacy.
Other Nintendo Switch exclusives in the top ten include Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, which received 260 votes, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which secured 228 votes.
The ongoing popularity of first-party Nintendo franchises like Pokémon and Xenoblade further underscores the platform’s robust lineup and dedicated fanbase.
Additionally, emerging titles such as Atelier Yumia (225 votes), Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (223 votes), and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (217 votes) reflect a broad interest in niche RPGs and story-driven experiences ideal for the Switch’s diverse audience.
Multiplatform Interest and Broader Trends
Beyond Capcom’s dominance and the Switch’s strong showing, titles like Pragmata (398 votes on PS5) and Like a Dragon: Pirates in Hawaii (212 votes on PS5) reveal that PlayStation also maintains a significant presence in the Japanese gaming landscape.
These results highlight a healthy competition between hardware platforms, each catering to different tastes and preferences among core Japanese gamers.
As reported by Famitsu, the latest most wanted rankings serve as a snapshot of current gamer expectations, reflecting both anticipation for established franchises and curiosity about new IP.
With major releases and remakes on the horizon, Japanese gamers remain highly engaged with upcoming announcements and launch timelines from developers such as Capcom, Square Enix, and Nintendo.
The full top ten for this week’s Famitsu Most Wanted is as follows:
1.
[PS5] Monster Hunter Wilds – 914 votes
2.
[NSW] Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake – 742 votes
3.
[PS5] Pragmata – 398 votes
4.
[PS5] Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake – 281 votes
5.
[NSW] Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – 260 votes
6.
[NSW] Pokémon Legends: Z-A – 228 votes
7.
[NSW] Atelier Yumia – 225 votes
8.
[NSW] Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – 223 votes
9.
[NSW] Professor Layton and the New World of Steam – 217 votes
10.
[PS5] Like a Dragon: Pirates in Hawaii – 212 votes
For further updates on anticipated Nintendo Switch games, Capcom’s Monster Hunter series, and industry sales trends, stay connected to our coverage as developments emerge from official company announcements and future Famitsu rankings.
Pokémon Nintendo Switch Capcom Monster Hunter Nintendo Monster Hunter Wilds Famitsu Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A Dragon Quest HD-2D Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake Z Pokemon Legends Z-A Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Pragmata Like a Dragon Pirates in Hawaii Atelier Yumia