New data for January 2026 reveals significant shifts in the US premium gaming market for Nintendo platforms. Circana's Mat Piscatella announced that Square Enix's new Switch 2 title, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, made an impressive entry, securing the second position among the top-selling premium games. This places it just behind Pokémon Legends: Z-A and ahead of Donkey Kong Bananza. It's important to note that these figures, while insightful, do not include specific sales numbers or digital purchases for Nintendo's exclusive titles.
Furthermore, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade demonstrated remarkable growth, climbing from 225th place in December to 9th place in January across the broader 'Top 20 Best-Selling Premium Games' in the US. This surge is attributed to its release on both Switch 2 and Xbox platforms, showcasing its widespread appeal and successful multi-platform launch. Conversely, Pokémon Legends: Z-A experienced a drop, moving from sixth to sixteenth place within the same timeframe.
Beyond software, the report also shed light on hardware performance, indicating a 16% increase in hardware spending year-over-year, reaching $248 million. This growth was primarily driven by the strong performance of the Nintendo Switch 2, which successfully counterbalanced declines seen in PlayStation 5 (-17%), Xbox Series X|S (-27%), and the original Switch (-79%). While the PlayStation 5 maintained its lead in both unit and dollar sales, the Nintendo Switch 2 secured a strong second place, underscoring its significant market entry and potential for future growth. The anticipation for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, with its confirmed release date on Switch 2 and an available demo for the initial game on the Switch eShop, further solidifies the franchise's prominent role in the current gaming ecosystem.
The gaming industry is a vibrant arena of innovation and competition, where new releases constantly challenge established titles and redefine market dynamics. The success of games like Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade not only highlights the creative prowess of developers but also underscores the crucial role of platform evolution, such as the introduction of the Switch 2, in shaping consumer preferences and driving industry growth. This ongoing evolution fosters a diverse and exciting landscape for gamers worldwide, ensuring a continuous stream of captivating experiences and technological advancements.
