Nintendo Switch Sales Surge in Japan as Fire Emblem Warriors Debuts in Top 3

Nintendo Switch Sales Surge in Japan as Fire Emblem Warriors Debuts in Top 3 This past week’s Japanese video game sales figures from Media Create highlight another triumphant performance for Nintendo, signaling continued momentum for both Switch hardware and software in one of the industry’s most influential markets.

Nintendo’s recent strategy, supported by a strong slate of first-party titles and consistent hardware availability, has kept the platform at the forefront of consumer demand. Fire Emblem Warriors, the latest musou spin-off developed by Omega Force and Team Ninja and published by Nintendo, made its debut for both Nintendo Switch and New Nintendo 3DS/2DS platforms on September 28, 2017.

In its launch week, the Switch version claimed third place on the charts, notching 41,491 units sold, while the New Nintendo 3DS and New 2DS versions collectively moved 18,357 copies.

Although the title’s combined sales were below those of Hyrule Warriors and Hyrule Warriors Legends at launch, Fire Emblem Warriors still managed an impressive start, especially on the Switch. Meanwhile, Nintendo mainstays continued to perform well.

Splatoon 2, released for the Nintendo Switch on July 21, 2017, added another 29,704 units to its lifetime total, which now stands at over 1.19 million copies in Japan alone.

Pokkén Tournament DX followed with 23,543 units sold in its second week, for a cumulative 76,938 units since its release.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild also appeared in the top 10, reinforcing Nintendo’s software dominance. FIFA 18 launched across multiple platforms but found the lion’s share of its success on PlayStation 4, where it debuted at number two with 55,919 units.

The Switch edition, while benefiting from dedicated marketing in Japan, sold 12,616 units at launch — about a quarter of the PS4 version, reflecting the difference in respective install bases. A glance at overall hardware performance further underscores Nintendo’s strength.

The Nintendo Switch saw a significant boost this week, selling 73,231 units compared to 43,426 the prior week.

This result far outpaced competing hardware, with the PlayStation 4 selling 22,822 units and the New 3DS LL (known as XL internationally) moving 9,915 units.

Both the New 2DS LL and legacy systems from Sony also experienced modest increases, but none could match the Switch’s popularity surge. Summarizing the week’s Media Create charts, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III for PS4 led software sales with 87,261 units, followed by FIFA 18’s PS4 version.

Nintendo published titles packed the remainder of the top ten, demonstrating a strong multi-title portfolio on the Switch.

By consistently delivering popular releases and fostering steady hardware supply, Nintendo has secured a dominant position within the Japanese gaming landscape. With Switch hardware sales climbing and its exclusive titles displaying robust performance, Nintendo shows little sign of slowing in the near term.

This momentum solidifies the company’s footing ahead of busy retail seasons and upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, ensuring strong visibility both at home and abroad.

Nintendo Media Create Fire Emblem Warriors Nintendo Switch Splatoon 2 Pokken Tournament DX FIFA 18 The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III PlayStation 4 New Nintendo 3DS New 2DS LL Electronic Arts Genkai Tokki: Castle Panzers Compile Heart Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 Konami The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Destiny 2 SIE Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition Bethesda Softworks Monster Hunter XX Capcom Coven and Labyrinth of Refrain NIS Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Square Enix The Snack World: Trejarers Level-5 Shinobi Koi Utsutsu: Kanmitsu Hana Emaki Idea Factory Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Bandai Namco Everybody’s Golf