Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Tops Japanese Switch Charts Amid Strong Hardware Sales

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has once again demonstrated enduring appeal by leading the Japanese video game charts for the week of January 20th through 26th, 2025.

Despite early online criticism over the game’s pricing prior to launch, the Nintendo Switch release has proven its commercial strength, selling 35,256 units in its latest week according to Famitsu data, and reaching a cumulative 142,349 units sold since release. Developed by Nintendo, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a remastered version of the beloved platformer that originally debuted on the Wii.

The Nintendo Switch edition delivers updated visuals and accessibility features, making the classic adventure accessible to new and returning players alike.

Concerns voiced in online forums regarding the title's launch price did not translate to sluggish sales performance, further highlighting the distinctive dynamics between internet discourse and actual retail outcomes. Another significant entry this week was ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist, a highly anticipated metroidvania from Binary Haze Interactive.

The title made a solid debut, with 9,586 copies sold on Switch and 5,290 on PlayStation 5, securing positions within the top 10 games for both platforms.

The strong performance on Nintendo Switch underscores the system’s ongoing dominance in the Japanese market, especially for indie and niche genres. Other notable performers include Super Mario Party Jamboree, which added 18,444 units to its staggering lifetime total of 1,139,854 sales, and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, inching closer to a significant milestone with a total of 984,585 units sold.

Family-friendly and legacy Nintendo titles continue to be mainstays on the chart, reaffirming the enduring popularity of the Switch ecosystem. An overview of the Japanese hardware market reveals little disruption following the official announcement of the upcoming Switch 2 hardware.

The Nintendo Switch family—comprising the Switch OLED, Switch Lite, and the original model—combined for an impressive total of 45,327 units sold during the week.

The Switch OLED was the best-selling console, moving 31,816 units. Sony’s PlayStation 5 series, including its Pro and Digital Edition models, collectively sold 12,341 units.

Xbox Series S and X consoles also registered modest sales, further highlighting Nintendo’s continued leadership in Japanese hardware markets. The results from Famitsu’s weekly charts further cement Nintendo Switch’s dominant position as the platform of choice for Japanese gamers, a trend supported by both steady hardware sales and continued success of exclusive software releases. Top 5 Japanese Software Sales (Jan 20–26, 2025): 1.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) – 35,256 units 2.

Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch) – 18,444 units 3.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins (PS5) – 17,391 units 4.

ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist (Switch) – 9,586 units 5.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch) – 6,606 units Hardware Sales Snapshot: - Nintendo Switch OLED: 31,816 - Nintendo Switch Lite: 8,772 - PlayStation 5: 6,372 With Donkey Kong Country Returns HD leading the way, Nintendo continues to assert its dominance in Japan’s competitive gaming landscape.

The robust sales of both hardware and software signal that the anticipation for Switch 2 has yet to slow momentum for Nintendo’s flagship platform.

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