In the dynamic Japanese video game market, the period from February 9th to 15th, 2026, witnessed significant shifts in both software and hardware sales. Sega's latest entry, "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties," made an impressive debut, securing multiple top spots on the sales charts. Concurrently, Nintendo's Switch 2 continued its reign as the leading console, illustrating a vibrant and competitive gaming landscape.
Detailed Gaming Market Analysis: Week of February 9-15, 2026
According to comprehensive data released by Famitsu, the video game market in Japan experienced a lively week. The newly launched action-adventure title, "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties," proved to be an immediate sensation. Its PlayStation 5 iteration alone sold a remarkable 58,171 copies, claiming the coveted number one position. Including its releases on PlayStation 4 and Switch 2, the game's total sales across platforms neared an impressive 94,000 units in its inaugural week, highlighting its immense popularity among Japanese gamers.
Nintendo's latest sports offering, "Mario Tennis Fever," also enjoyed a strong launch, landing at second place with 39,522 units sold. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of Nintendo's iconic franchises. "Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined" maintained a solid presence in the top ranks, a testament to its sustained popularity following a successful debut. Additionally, "Nioh 3" for the PlayStation 5 continued to see steady sales, securing its place within the top ten.
The hardware segment of the market was dominated by Nintendo. The Switch 2 solidified its position as the top-selling console, reinforcing its popularity with a substantial number of units moved. Notably, the Switch OLED model also contributed significantly to Nintendo's overall hardware success, demonstrating a surge in sales during this period. In contrast, Sony's PlayStation 5 models, while performing respectably, trailed behind Nintendo's offerings in terms of total unit sales. Even the PlayStation 4 saw a modest but noteworthy sales figure, surpassing the Xbox Series X, which underscores the passionate fanbase for certain titles on older platforms.
Software Sales Chart (February 9th - 15th, 2026):
| Position | Game | Platform | Unit Sales (Feb 9-15) | Total Unit Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties | PS5 | 58,171 | NEW |
| 2 | Mario Tennis Fever | Switch 2 | 39,522 | NEW |
| 3 | Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined | Switch | 32,102 | 209,665 |
| 4 | Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined | Switch 2 | 23,617 | 183,718 |
| 5 | Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties | PS4 | 19,845 | NEW |
| 6 | Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties | Switch 2 | 15,988 | NEW |
| 7 | Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined | PS5 | 11,800 | 130,598 |
| 8 | Nioh 3 | PS5 | 9,702 | 50,272 |
| 9 | Mario Kart World | Switch 2 | 9,473 | 2,825,494 |
| 10 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Switch | 7,265 | 8,377,788 |
Hardware Sales Chart (February 9th - 15th, 2026):
| Position | Console | Unit Sales (Feb 9-15) | Lifetime Unit Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switch 2 | 57,779 | 4,430,672 |
| 2 | Switch OLED | 20,226 | 9,453,080 |
| 3 | PlayStation 5 Digital Edition | 6,341 | 1,184,279 |
| 4 | Switch Lite | 4,882 | 6,858,772 |
| 5 | PlayStation 5 | 3,562 | 5,891,412 |
| 6 | PlayStation 5 Pro | 1,685 | 322,688 |
| 7 | Switch | 1,373 | 20,241,451 |
| 8 | Xbox Series X Digital Edition | 646 | 27,805 |
| 9 | Xbox Series S | 97 | 340,959 |
| 10 | PlayStation 4 | 25 | 7,930,264 |
| 11 | Xbox Series X | 12 | 323,973 |
This week's chart data paints a vivid picture of consumer preferences in the Japanese gaming sector. The strong performance of "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" on multiple platforms, coupled with the consistent dominance of the Nintendo Switch family in hardware sales, underscores the diverse appeal within the market. It also highlights the strategic importance of multi-platform releases for major titles and the enduring legacy of established console brands. As the industry continues to evolve, these trends offer valuable insights into future market dynamics and consumer engagement.
