Pokemon Legends Z-A Sets New Launch Sales Record in Japan on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Famitsu's latest video game sales report, covering the week ending October 19th, 2025, has highlighted an historic debut for Pokemon Legends Z-A in Japan.

The much-anticipated release from Game Freak and Nintendo not only dominated sales charts but also etched new milestones on both the Nintendo Switch and its successor, Switch 2. According to the credible data compiled by Famitsu, Pokemon Legends Z-A sold an impressive total of 1,485,457 physical units during its first few days on the market.

This staggering figure encompasses both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions and firmly establishes the game's strong market presence upon launch.

For context, its predecessor, Pokemon Legends Arceus, sold 1,424,657 physical copies during its launch week in early 2022—a record that Pokemon Legends Z-A has now surpassed. Breaking down the initial sales numbers, the original Nintendo Switch version accounted for 872,552 units, while the Nintendo Switch 2 version contributed 612,905 units.

These combined launch numbers not only secure Pokemon Legends Z-A as the week's top-selling physical game but also underscore the continued strength of the Pokemon franchise and the enduring popularity of Nintendo's hardware platforms in Japan. A representative summary based on Famitsu's report emphasized the game's remarkable commercial start, confirming that Pokemon Legends Z-A achieved the highest physical sales for any title during the tracked period.

The sales tally reflects exclusively physical retail units sold, suggesting that total sales—including digital downloads via the Nintendo eShop—are likely even higher in both the Japanese and global markets. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, Pokemon Legends Z-A marks another successful collaboration in the series, further distinguishing itself with its record-setting performance.

With the Pokemon franchise maintaining its appeal among long-standing fans and new players alike, this latest entry demonstrates the powerful synergy between iconic intellectual properties and Nintendo's evolving hardware lineup. As market analysts and enthusiasts await updated digital and international figures, Pokemon Legends Z-A's record-breaking launch week serves as a testament to the enduring demand for quality titles on the Nintendo Switch family of systems.

Famitsu's sales data provides a benchmark for the ongoing success of the franchise and the strength of the Japanese gaming industry.

For more reporting on Pokemon Legends Z-A and upcoming releases on Nintendo platforms, stay tuned as additional sales milestones and platform updates become available.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Japan Switch 2 Famitsu Switch Pokemon Pokemon Legends Z-A Z Pokemon Legends Arceus Game Freak