Japanese Gaming Market Sees Dominance of Switch 2 and Milestone Sales for Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Nintendo's latest offerings continue to captivate the Japanese gaming landscape, as recent reports from Famitsu underscore a robust performance for both its new console and flagship game titles. The Switch 2 has firmly established its dominance in hardware sales, while the enduring popularity of franchises like Mario Kart and Pokémon drives impressive software figures, marking significant milestones for the company.

Nintendo's Latest Victories in the Japanese Market

In the final week of 2026, from December 22nd to December 28th, the Japanese gaming market witnessed Nintendo's unwavering leadership, as detailed in Famitsu's most recent boxed chart data. The newly launched Switch 2 console spearheaded hardware sales, moving an impressive 200,257 units, bringing its total lifetime sales to a staggering 3,784,067. This performance significantly outpaced competitors, including the original Switch models, which collectively sold 32,775 units, and the PlayStation 5, which recorded 19,232 units.

On the software front, "Mario Kart World" for Switch 2 maintained its top position, adding another 94,645 units to its impressive tally, pushing its total lifetime sales to 2,668,381. A notable achievement was also recorded by "Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition," which officially crossed the one million sales mark, reaching 1,004,154 units. Despite the new edition's success, the original Switch version of "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" continues to demonstrate strong sales, having sold 1,529,823 units. This indicates a gradual but definite shift towards the Switch 2, though the original Switch's vast installed base ensures its continued relevance for popular titles. Other top-performing games included "Kirby Air Riders" (Switch 2) with 47,793 units, and two versions of "Momotaro Dentetsu 2," collectively selling over 62,000 units.

The Enduring Appeal of Nintendo in Japan

The consistent high performance of Nintendo's consoles and games in Japan offers valuable insights into consumer preferences and market dynamics. The rapid adoption of the Switch 2, coupled with the sustained demand for titles like Pokémon and Mario Kart, highlights the powerful combination of innovative hardware and beloved franchises. This success not only reinforces Nintendo's dominant position but also indicates a healthy and evolving console gaming culture in Japan, where established series continue to draw massive audiences, even with the introduction of new hardware.