Nintendo Switch 2 Dominates Japan's Hardware and Software Charts: Mario Kart World Leads Weekly Sales

The latest video game sales data from Japan underscores Nintendo’s enduring market dominance, as the Nintendo Switch 2 leads both hardware and software charts.

In the most recent week, Nintendo Switch 2 achieved remarkable sales, moving 71,885 units and cementing its status as Japan’s premier gaming console.

The broader Nintendo Switch family—including the classic, OLED, and Lite models—accumulated an additional 13,411 units in total, showcasing the brand’s sustained consumer appeal.

For context, Sony’s PlayStation 5 family collectively sold 7,262 units across standard, Pro, and Digital variations. On the software front, "Mario Kart World" has once again proven its mass appeal by topping Japan’s boxed-software charts.

The latest installment in Nintendo’s racing franchise sold 65,853 copies this week alone, driving its lifetime sales figure to an exceptional 1,365,072 units.

This success further solidifies "Mario Kart"’s legacy as a staple of the Nintendo ecosystem. A Nintendo spokesperson highlighted the ongoing popularity of iconic franchises, noting that titles like "Mario Kart World" continue to surpass expectations in the Japanese market, thanks to strong player engagement and a robust install base on the Nintendo Switch 2 and related hardware. Rounding out the top software sellers, Bandai Namco’s "Tamagotchi Plaza" for the Nintendo Switch also performed well, shifting 13,736 boxed units and reaching a total of 140,198 copies sold since its recent launch.

Other notable chart entrants include "1+2 REPLAY" with 8,871 debut week sales, "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" (6,944 this week, 6.37 million lifetime), "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" (5,824 this week, over 8.16 million lifetime), and "Super Mario Party Jamboree" (5,478 this week, 1.34 million lifetime).

Microsoft’s perennial hit "Minecraft" and Level-5’s role-playing sequel "FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time" also remain fixtures on the charts. Meanwhile, PlayStation’s flagship exclusive "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" sold 4,162 boxed copies, bringing its lifetime total to 87,597.

However, Nintendo’s presence continues to overshadow competitors in both hardware and software metrics in the Japanese market. Cumulative hardware sales further reinforce Nintendo’s leading position: the original Switch has now sold over 20.1 million units in Japan, while the Switch OLED Model and Switch Lite have reached 9.09 million and 6.61 million lifetime sales, respectively.

The recently launched Nintendo Switch 2 has already crossed 1.6 million units since release, illustrating the platform’s rapid adoption among Japanese gamers. Nintendo’s sustained dominance in Japan’s gaming market is a testament to the company’s ability to consistently deliver engaging experiences and high-demand hardware, further affirmed by robust eShop performance and a steady stream of acclaimed game releases.

As the Switch 2 continues to gain momentum, industry analysts and fans alike will be watching closely for future milestones from the iconic developer.

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