Record-Breaking Sales for Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World in Japan

Mario Kart World Outpaces Zelda’s First-Day Sales

In Japan, the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 has been marked by an impressive milestone for its flagship title, Mario Kart World. Within just three days of its release, the game has already sold more physical copies than the original Switch launch title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, managed in its first three days.

Impressive Sales Figures from Famitsu

According to Famitsu, Mario Kart World has sold approximately 782,566 copies in Japan during its initial week from June 2 to June 8. It’s important to note that these figures only include physical sales—retail store sales, pre-installed copies, and game key card sales—excluding digital downloads from the Nintendo eShop. This suggests that the actual total sales are likely even higher, reflecting a strong consumer demand.

Comparing Launch Successes: Zelda vs. Mario Kart

Back in 2017, the Switch version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sold an estimated 193,060 copies during its first three days in Japan, according to Famitsu. This means that Mario Kart World has already sold roughly four times more copies within the same period, underscoring its significant popularity and the rapid adoption of the new console.

Nintendo Switch 2: The Fastest Selling Hardware

The remarkable sales success of Switch 2 is further exemplified by its overall hardware performance. The console has become Nintendo’s fastest-selling device to date, moving over 3.5 million units worldwide within just four days. In comparison, the original Switch experienced a slower start, selling about 2.74 million units in its first month, partly due to initial supply constraints.

Strong Launch for Switch 2 Games in Japan

During the first three days after launch, physical game sales for Switch 2 have remained robust in Japan. The console’s titles secured half of the spots in Famitsu’s top 10 chart. Notable entries include the Switch 2 versions of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (No. 6, with 10,877 copies), Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (No. 7, 7,992 copies), Zelda: Breath of the Wild (No. 8, 7,529 copies), and Yakuza 0 (No. 9, 7,486 copies). Interestingly, Elden Ring: Nightreign for PS5 was the only non-Switch game in the top five, occupying the fifth spot.

Will Mario Kart World Match Zelda’s Total Sales?

While Mario Kart World is currently leading in initial physical sales in Japan, it remains to be seen whether it will eventually surpass the total sales of Breath of the Wild, which remains one of the most critically acclaimed titles. The recent re-release of the game in HD for Switch 2 may also incentivize fans to purchase it again, potentially boosting its overall sales figures in the future.

Guide to Unlock Hidden Features and Content

If you’re eager to get the most out of Mario Kart World, be sure to check out comprehensive guides on unlocking every hidden character, including NPC drivers like Kamek. Additionally, explore our tips on locating all the food scattered across the open world, unlocking outfits and costumes, and maximizing your gaming experience with all available features.

About the Author

Verity Townsend is a freelance writer based in Japan, with a background as an editor, contributor, and translator for game news outlets. She also writes extensively about Japanese culture and entertainment, sharing insights that enrich her gaming coverage.

Emma Blake

Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.