Mario Kart World Dominates Japanese Game Sales; Nintendo Switch 2 Surpasses 2 Million Units Sold

Japan's weekly boxed video game software and hardware charts, a critical benchmark for the gaming industry, have been released, delivering familiar news at the top.

Nintendo’s latest installment in its long-running kart racing franchise, Mario Kart World, maintains its commanding lead, securing the number one spot in physical sales.

According to sales figures for the week ending June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World recorded an additional 38,026 units sold, raising its lifetime physical sales in Japan to an impressive 1,732,435 copies. Launched exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World has quickly become a staple in Japanese households, reflecting both Nintendo’s enduring appeal and the fervor surrounding the Switch 2 platform.

Since its introduction, the game has consistently outpaced competitors, highlighting the unique marketability of Nintendo’s first-party titles in Japan.

A Nintendo spokesperson commented that the ongoing success of Mario Kart World exemplifies the company’s dedication to delivering family-friendly, innovative experiences that resonate with players of all ages. In the broader software market, Take-Two Interactive’s Borderlands 4 made its debut on the PlayStation 5, securing the second spot with 13,029 units sold in its first week.

Nintendo’s own Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch 2 came in third, adding 10,577 copies and bringing its total to 307,141 units.

Other prominent entries include Marvelous’ Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar and Aniplex’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2, reflecting a diverse lineup across platforms. The top ten also features perennial favorites such as Minecraft for Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, underlining the sustained demand for evergreen titles.

Notably, Minecraft continues to perform exceptionally, with total sales in Japan now surpassing 4 million boxed copies, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands at over 6.44 million units sold since its 2017 debut. Hardware sales remain a strong suit for Nintendo.

The Nintendo Switch 2 led the market once more, selling 44,278 units during the week, and surpassing a significant milestone with 2,024,761 units sold in Japan since launch.

The Switch OLED Model and PlayStation 5 followed, with sales of 10,568 and 10,515 units, respectively.

Legacy platforms like the Switch Lite and the original Switch continue to see steady demand, while Xbox Series consoles and PlayStation 4 sales remained minimal. Nintendo’s ongoing momentum in both hardware and software demonstrates the company’s successful synergy between iconic franchises and purpose-built hardware.

This dynamic is further showcased during major events like Nintendo Direct and is facilitated through robust retail and eShop presence.

With Mario Kart World maintaining dominance and the Switch 2 surpassing two million units sold, Nintendo’s foothold in the Japanese market appears as secure as ever, bolstered by an attractive portfolio and savvy hardware strategy.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch Kart Borderlands 4 Take-Two Interactive Donkey Kong Bananza Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar Marvelous Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Aniplex Everybody’s Golf World Bandai Namco Minecraft Microsoft Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Konami Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Super Robot Wars Y PlayStation 5 Switch OLED Model Switch Lite Xbox Series X Xbox Series S PlayStation 4