Nintendo Switch Becomes Japan’s Best-Selling Console, Surpass 33M Units Sold

The Nintendo Switch has achieved an incredible milestone in Japan. According to the latest Q3 2024 fiscal report from Nintendo, the Switch has sold an impressive 33.34 million units in Japan alone, surpassing previous record-holding consoles like the Nintendo DS, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color.

This achievement underscores the continuing popularity of the Switch in Japan, which shows no signs of slowing down even after more than six years since its launch.

Some analysts predict that it could eventually reach 40 to 50 million lifetime sales in Japan if its popularity persists.

Keys to the Switch’s Historic Success in Japan

The success of the Nintendo Switch in Japan can be attributed to several key factors:

• Hybrid Portability – The ability to play as a handheld or docked console resonated with Japanese gamers who often play on-the-go.
• First-Party Franchises – Switch boasts a strong lineup of first-party franchises like “The Legend of Zelda,” “Mario,” and “Splatoon,” which are highly popular in Japan.
• Third-Party Support – More third-party Japanese developers are supporting the platform, bringing hits like Monster Hunter Rise.
• Constant Innovation – Nintendo keeps iterating with new models like the OLED and Switch Lite to maintain buzz.

What’s Next for the Switch in Japan and Worldwide?

Globally, the Switch has reached sales of 139 million units. If current trends persist, it may surpass the Nintendo DS’s all-time worldwide sales record of 154 million units.

For comparison (worldwide sales):

• Nintendo DS – 154.02M
• Nintendo Switch – 139.36M
• Game Boy – 118.69M
• Wii – 101.63M
• Game Boy Advance – 81.51M
• Nintendo 3DS – 75.94M

As the Switch continues to attract new buyers, especially with the potential for price drops and an impressive lineup of major titles like “Tomb Raider I-III Remastered” and “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” it is likely to hold its position in the Japanese market further.

Upcoming Switch 2 will likely end this historic run as it’s scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025. But, before that, Switch is likely to go for its one last ride.

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