The Japanese gaming market has once again showcased Nintendo's remarkable strength, particularly with its latest console, the Switch 2. This report, based on data from Famitsu for the beginning of 2026, delves into the impressive sales figures for both hardware and software, underscoring the unwavering popularity of Nintendo products in the region.
Unrivaled Dominance: Nintendo's Ascendancy in the Japanese Gaming Landscape
Software Superstars: Leading the Japanese Gaming Charts
The early weeks of 2026 have seen a familiar pattern in the Japanese software charts, with Nintendo titles firmly holding the top positions. Leading the pack is the highly anticipated Mario Kart World, which has captured the attention of gamers. Following closely is Konami's critically acclaimed board game sequel, Momotaro Dentetsu 2, showcasing its enduring appeal. Pokémon Legends: Z-A maintains its strong performance across both Switch console generations, and it will be fascinating to observe the rise of Animal Crossing: New Horizons once sales data for its Switch 2 Edition becomes available, potentially further solidifying Nintendo's stronghold.
Hardware Heavyweights: The Switch 2's Phenomenal Ascent
Nintendo's hardware division has kicked off the new year with exceptional results. The Switch 2 has achieved impressive sales, moving over 313,000 units in the first two weeks of 2026 alone, pushing its total sales in Japan past the four million mark. While the Switch Lite and OLED models continue to perform steadily, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition has secured the second spot in hardware sales, with an additional 36,856 units sold. The combined sales of the three original Switch models amounted to 46,360 units, while all PlayStation 5 variants together reached 46,753 units, indicating a fiercely competitive market, though ultimately favoring Nintendo's latest offering.
