Published on: April 26, 2018
Super NES Classic Edition Surpasses 5 Million Units Sold Worldwide, Reports Nintendo
Nintendo's Super NES Classic Edition has firmly established itself as a standout success, with the company announcing global sales of 5.28 million units according to its official Financial Results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018.
The miniaturized version of the iconic Super Nintendo Entertainment System originally launched in September 2017, quickly becoming a must-have item for fans and collectors alike.
The Super NES Classic Edition draws on the rich legacy of Nintendo's 16-bit era, featuring 20 pre-installed classic SNES games alongside the previously unreleased Star Fox 2.
This curated lineup contributed to near-instant sellouts across multiple regions, propelling the device to strong sales during one of Nintendo's most lucrative quarters in recent history.
Nintendo highlighted in its financial report that the Super NES Classic Edition's appeal was global, driving sales momentum across various markets.
In a clear reflection of consumer enthusiasm for retro gaming hardware, the mini console hit its 5.28 million unit milestone within its first several months on the market.
"The Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super NES Classic Edition proved to be a hit in every region, with sales totaling 5.28 million units," Nintendo stated in its financial briefing for the year.
These results accompanied impressive performance from Nintendo's other platforms.
The Nintendo Switch, which debuted in March 2017, sold 15.05 million units during the fiscal year.
Major first-party Nintendo Switch titles witnessed record-breaking numbers, with Super Mario Odyssey selling 10.41 million units, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe moving 9.22 million units, and Splatoon 2 reaching 6.02 million in sales.
Software sales overall on the Switch reached a combined 63.51 million units during the period.
Nintendo 3DS hardware also maintained strong sales momentum, with 6.40 million units moved worldwide.
On the software front, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon collectively sold 7.51 million copies, pushing 3DS software sales to 35.64 million units for the year.
Digital sales showed considerable growth, with Nintendo reporting a combined total of 60.8 billion yen for digital transactions across dedicated gaming platforms, led in large part by activity on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
Additionally, the amiibo line saw an uptick, selling approximately 10.30 million figures and 5.80 million amiibo cards.
Nintendo's mobile gaming segment was also bolstered by the successful launch of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, joining previously released titles Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem Heroes.
With net sales reaching 1,055.6 billion yen, including overseas sales amounting to more than 75 percent of total revenue, Nintendo's fiscal report underscores the ongoing power of its hardware and software portfolio—including the revitalized appeal of retro platforms like the Super NES Classic Edition.
For those looking to relive classic gaming experiences, the Super NES Classic Edition remains a testament to Nintendo's enduring influence and the timeless appeal of its iconic game library.