This week’s Media Create sales data signals a strong period for Nintendo hardware and software in the Japanese market.
Nintendo's 3DS, a long-time favorite among Japanese gamers, once again leads the hardware sales charts, while the Wii U enjoys a significant boost in momentum following the release of new titles.
These numbers underscore Nintendo’s continued dominance and the enduring appeal of its exclusive titles. The Nintendo 3DS sold over 120,000 units in the latest tally, reaffirming its status as Japan’s top-selling console.
Analysts attribute this remarkable performance to the steady flow of high-quality releases and the platform’s broad appeal across different age groups.
Meanwhile, the Wii U saw its weekly sales surge from 28,518 units to an impressive 48,762 units—a jump that can be directly linked to the launch of new games for the platform. On the software side, Nintendo has plenty to celebrate as well.
Dragon Quest X: The Sleeping Hero and the Guiding Sworn Friend Online, developed by Square Enix, debuted strongly on both Wii and Wii U.
The acclaimed RPG entered the charts at number 2 on the Wii with 117,432 copies sold, and at number 6 on the Wii U, moving another 70,648 units.
This dual-platform launch demonstrates the strength of the Dragon Quest franchise in Japan, and its ability to drive both game and hardware sales for Nintendo’s home consoles. Super Mario 3D World for Wii U also maintained its momentum, securing the number 7 spot with an additional 43,844 copies sold, bringing its cumulative sales to over 183,000 units.
The continued interest in Mario’s latest adventure contributed to the Wii U’s hardware surge, as many users invested in the system to experience this critically acclaimed title. In the portable space, the Nintendo 3DS continues to feature prominently in the software rankings.
Bravely Default: For the Sequel managed to secure the number 8 position, selling 35,617 copies despite not making a mark in Western charts.
Following closely was Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal: Duel Carnival in ninth, underlining the diversity of successful franchises available to 3DS players.
Pokémon X and Y also continue their strong run, shifting another 111,790 units for a lifetime total surpassing 3.2 million in Japan alone. The complete top ten software chart also includes high-profile releases such as Gran Turismo 6 on PlayStation 3, which led the week with over 204,000 units, and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.
For hardware, the 3DS LL (known internationally as the 3DS XL) sold 92,375 units, illustrating ongoing demand for Nintendo’s larger handheld model. This robust week for Nintendo demonstrates the company’s enduring relevance and its ability to drive both hardware and software sales through compelling first-party releases and strategic partnerships with major franchises like Dragon Quest.
As the Japanese gaming market continues to shift, Nintendo’s unified approach to software and hardware development remains a model for success.
Nintendo's 3DS, a long-time favorite among Japanese gamers, once again leads the hardware sales charts, while the Wii U enjoys a significant boost in momentum following the release of new titles.
These numbers underscore Nintendo’s continued dominance and the enduring appeal of its exclusive titles. The Nintendo 3DS sold over 120,000 units in the latest tally, reaffirming its status as Japan’s top-selling console.
Analysts attribute this remarkable performance to the steady flow of high-quality releases and the platform’s broad appeal across different age groups.
Meanwhile, the Wii U saw its weekly sales surge from 28,518 units to an impressive 48,762 units—a jump that can be directly linked to the launch of new games for the platform. On the software side, Nintendo has plenty to celebrate as well.
Dragon Quest X: The Sleeping Hero and the Guiding Sworn Friend Online, developed by Square Enix, debuted strongly on both Wii and Wii U.
The acclaimed RPG entered the charts at number 2 on the Wii with 117,432 copies sold, and at number 6 on the Wii U, moving another 70,648 units.
This dual-platform launch demonstrates the strength of the Dragon Quest franchise in Japan, and its ability to drive both game and hardware sales for Nintendo’s home consoles. Super Mario 3D World for Wii U also maintained its momentum, securing the number 7 spot with an additional 43,844 copies sold, bringing its cumulative sales to over 183,000 units.
The continued interest in Mario’s latest adventure contributed to the Wii U’s hardware surge, as many users invested in the system to experience this critically acclaimed title. In the portable space, the Nintendo 3DS continues to feature prominently in the software rankings.
Bravely Default: For the Sequel managed to secure the number 8 position, selling 35,617 copies despite not making a mark in Western charts.
Following closely was Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal: Duel Carnival in ninth, underlining the diversity of successful franchises available to 3DS players.
Pokémon X and Y also continue their strong run, shifting another 111,790 units for a lifetime total surpassing 3.2 million in Japan alone. The complete top ten software chart also includes high-profile releases such as Gran Turismo 6 on PlayStation 3, which led the week with over 204,000 units, and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.
For hardware, the 3DS LL (known internationally as the 3DS XL) sold 92,375 units, illustrating ongoing demand for Nintendo’s larger handheld model. This robust week for Nintendo demonstrates the company’s enduring relevance and its ability to drive both hardware and software sales through compelling first-party releases and strategic partnerships with major franchises like Dragon Quest.
As the Japanese gaming market continues to shift, Nintendo’s unified approach to software and hardware development remains a model for success.
