The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launched on Nintendo Switch on May 12, 2023, marking a major release from developer Nintendo EPD and publisher Nintendo. The game is the direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which debuted as a Nintendo Switch and Wii U launch title on March 3, 2017. Tears of the Kingdom continued the franchise’s long-running legacy that began with the original The Legend of Zelda in 1986 and reaffirmed Nintendo EPD’s position as a leading studio in open-world design and series stewardship.
According to Nintendo’s official reporting, Tears of the Kingdom sold more than 10 million copies worldwide within its first three days on sale. That milestone placed the title among the fastest-selling releases on Nintendo Switch and underscored the platform’s ongoing commercial strength since its launch on March 3, 2017. Nintendo has repeatedly leveraged Nintendo Direct presentations to announce major entries in the Zelda series and other flagship titles, while the Nintendo eShop remains the primary digital distribution channel for Switch owners.
Developer context and achievements
Nintendo EPD (Entertainment Planning & Development) developed Tears of the Kingdom. The studio is responsible for a number of Nintendo’s high-profile franchises and has overseen multiple critically acclaimed Zelda entries. Breath of the Wild, the 2017 predecessor, set new expectations for open-world game design on the Switch and Wii U, and Tears of the Kingdom built on that foundation when it released in May 2023.
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Platform and marketplace details
Tears of the Kingdom shipped physically and digitally on Nintendo Switch; the digital edition and any post-launch updates are distributed through the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo’s continued use of Nintendo Direct and other official channels for announcements ensures that release dates and sales milestones are communicated directly by the company.
Conclusion
Tears of the Kingdom’s rapid sales and Nintendo EPD’s continued stewardship of The Legend of Zelda franchise reinforced the Nintendo Switch’s wide market reach. With verified milestones and a clear platform history, the title stands as a landmark Switch release in the company’s modern catalog.
Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch Sales: 10 Million Copies in Three Days
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Source: NintendoDojo