Key Takeaways
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- Nintendo Switch 2 sold over 4.2 million units in Japan within eight months, surpassing initial sales estimates since the original Switch launch in 2017.
- The strong performance can be attributed to late-year releases of popular games like Pokémon Legends: ZA and Kirby Air Riders, as well as enhanced versions of older Switch games and exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.
- The Nintendo Switch 2 is more affordable in Japan, retailing for approximately $287.99 without Mario Kart World, or $324.99 with it, which may be contributing to faster adoption.
- A Japanese-language-only version of the console is available at a lower cost, potentially increasing its appeal in the region.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Smashes Sales in Japan with Pokémon, Kirby, and Affordable Pricing
In Japan, Nintendo sold over 4.2 million Nintendo Switch 2 consoles in just under eight months, surpassing their initial sales estimates since the original Switch launch in 2017. Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, informed investors that domestic sales exceeded expectations, while international sales were somewhat slower. Furukawa attributed the strong performance in Japan, in part, to the late-year releases of Pokémon Legends: ZA and Kirby Air Riders for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new console also launched with enhanced versions of older Switch games and exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza in its first seven months. A more affordable price point in Japan may also be contributing to faster adoption; the Switch 2 retails for approximately $287.99 without Mario Kart World, or $324.99 with it. Furthermore, a Japanese-language-only version is available at a lower cost.
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