Nintendo’s ability to conquer Japanese gamers shone brighter than ever in 2023. Not only did the company’s Switch games sell well, they topped the list of best-selling games of the year. Every game in the top 10 was created for the Nintendo Switch, which shows that Nintendo has a firm grip on the Japanese gaming scene.
Nintendo has been a favorite in Japan for some time now, and this is evidenced by the fact that “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which has sold almost 2 million copies, making it the most popular game of the year. Not far behind is Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which was purchased by over 1.5 million gamers. These numbers are not just impressive, they show how much people in Japan love Nintendo games.
From adventure games like Pikmin 4 to racing games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo’s variety of games kept gamers busy. The list also includes favorites like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe, proving that Nintendo knows what its fans want.
This year is special because it’s rare that all 10 spots in the top 10 are occupied by games from one company. Nintendo has been a favorite in Japan for years, but to top the top 10 is a big deal. It has been topping the game sales chart for 19 years, but such an absolute victory is something new.
This shows that the combination of favorite characters and new adventures is a winning formula for Nintendo. It’s not just about making games, it’s about creating experiences that stay with people, whether they’re longtime fans or new players. Looking to 2023, it’s clear that Nintendo is doing something right in Japan.
