While a large number of Western gamers regularly shun Nintendo, favouring the rote multiplayer shooters that seem to populate the other systems, the same can’t be said for our Japanese gaming chums. In the land of the rising sun, Nintendo is still very much king. According to Famitsu’s sales charts (via neoGAF), most of the 20 best-selling games in Japan last year were for Nintendo platforms.
Take a look:
- 01. [3DS] Yo-kai Watch 2: Ganso / Honke (Level 5) {2014.07.10} (¥4.937) – 3.050.178
- 02. [3DS] Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire (Pokemon Co.) {2014.11.21} (¥4.937) – 2.464.850
- 03. [3DS] Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate # (Capcom) {2014.10.11} (¥6.264) – 2.381.177
- 04. [3DS] Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (Nintendo) {2014.09.13} (¥5.616) – 2.066.022
- 05. [3DS] Yo-kai Watch 2: Shin Uchi (Level 5) {2014.12.13} (¥4.968) – 2.007.327
- 06. [3DS] Yo-kai Watch (Level 5) {2013.07.11} (¥4.800) – 994.346 / 1.280.799
- 07. [WIU] Mario Kart 8 # (Nintendo) {2014.05.29} (¥6.156) – 842.053
- 08. [3DS] Dragon Quest Monsters 2: Iru to Ruka no Fushigi na Fushigi na Kagi # (Square Enix) {2014.02.06} (¥5.490) – 748.139
- 09. [3DS] Kirby Triple Deluxe (Nintendo) {2014.01.11} (¥4.800) – 687.957
- 10. [WIU] Super Smash Bros. for Wii U # (Nintendo) {2014.12.06} (¥7.776) – 478.366
- 11. [3DS] Pokemon X / Y # (Pokemon Co.) {2013.10.12} (¥4.800) – 477.496 / 4.454.325
- 12. [3DS] Mario Party: Island Tour (Nintendo) {2014.03.20} (¥4.800) – 467.935
- 13. [3DS] Puzzle & Dragons Z (GungHo Online Entertainment) {2013.12.12} (¥4.400) – 442.780 / 1.448.477
- 14. [PS4] Knack # <ACT> (Sony Computer Entertainment) {2014.02.22} (¥5.145) – 400.115
- 15. [PS3] Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. Full Boost # (Bandai Namco Games) {2014.01.30} (¥7.980) – 372.827
- 16. [PS3] Dark Souls II <RPG> (From Software) {2014.03.13} (¥7.800) – 339.592
- 17. [PSV] Freedom Wars <ACT> (Sony Computer Entertainment) {2014.06.26} (¥6.264) – 287.012
- 18. [WIU] Wii Party U # (Nintendo) {2013.10.31} (¥4.935) – 281.107 / 799.873
- 19. [PS3] Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (Konami) {2014.03.20} (¥2.980) – 260.852
- 20. [PS3] Samurai Warriors 4 # (Koei Tecmo) {2014.03.20} (¥7.560) – 255.938
It takes until 14 on the chart before we see something that isn’t on a Nintendo platform – and Knack’s only on that list because it was bundled with Japanese PS4’s. Taking a look at hardware info, it seems the 3DS is king. The PlayStation Vita comes in second, with the Wii U at third (overall) with the PS4 at third for just this year – a very different picture to the rest of the world.
- 3DS – 3.153.045 / 17.847.056
- PSV – 1.147.936 / 3.423.075
- PS4 – 925.570
- Wii U – 604.856 / 2.123.283
- PS3 – 450.034 / 10.018.534
- One – 45.958
The Xbox One is doing even worse than the 360 did – and is now reported to be selling around 300 units a week.
You may argue of course, that Japan’s overall importance in the global gaming market has shrunk considerably and is no longer as important. That’s certainly true – but that doesn’t mean it should be discounted entirely. And with its undeniable popularity there, it’s unlikely that Nintendo won’t continue focusing on Japan.
Last Updated: January 22, 2015
Kensei Seraph
January 22, 2015 at 13:10
I just realised that today is Thursday, not Friday.
http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/733/320/df1.gif
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:15
Aw man that sucks 🙁
At least tomorrow is pay day.
Kensei Seraph
January 22, 2015 at 13:18
My company pays on the 25th and when the 25th falls on a weekend… well lets just say that only the bones know the answer to when the money will come through.
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:18
That sucks more. 🙁
RinceThis
January 22, 2015 at 13:22
Mine also pays 25th, which is Sunday, meaning they need to pay on Friday for people who have standing orders, they’re nice like that 🙂
Hammersteyn
January 22, 2015 at 13:23
28th for me
Quo Vadis?
January 22, 2015 at 13:24
Jeeeeez…. condolences.
Admiral Chief
January 22, 2015 at 13:26
I used to work for company that paid on the last day of the month, sometimes
Kensei Seraph
January 22, 2015 at 13:28
Eskom used to pay on the last Friday of each month, which could mean getting paid anywhere between the 22nd to the 31st of each month (depending on the length of the month).
Imagine waiting 5 weeks for the pay day, then you wait 3 weeks, then 4, then 5, then 3, etc.
Hammersteyn
January 22, 2015 at 13:28
Thank heavens for February then
Anon A Mouse
January 22, 2015 at 13:56
My previous company was like that. End of the month but only from the bread crumbs that where left after their feast. They owed me about 4 months salary when I left and the actually wanted to know why I’m leaving. Also offered me an increase to stay.
Admiral Chief
January 22, 2015 at 13:57
I too got the “increase to not leave” card pulled on me
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:24
Same here, hence tomorrow being pay day. 🙂
Ghost In The Rift
January 22, 2015 at 14:04
Yeah 25th for me 2,so maybe Saturday i hope!
HairyEwok
January 22, 2015 at 15:15
Yeah 25 is on a Sunday and Sunday is closer to Monday so I’m getting my pay on Monday. #TheLogic
Admiral Chief
January 22, 2015 at 13:51
WHERE IS THE NOSE?
HairyEwok
January 22, 2015 at 15:14
How can you not feel sorry for such a face 🙁 Here you can have all my candy and my credit card little girl, don’t be sad.
Sgt. M
January 22, 2015 at 15:33
It’s Friday for me. On leave tomorrow
Kensei Seraph
January 22, 2015 at 13:11
Header of the week nomination +1.
Hammersteyn
January 22, 2015 at 13:12
Those XBOX One sales
https://warosu.org/data/cgl/img/0077/52/1408061879091.gif
Kensei Seraph
January 22, 2015 at 13:19
I’m 99% certain that there is a trap in this picture but I haven’t located it yet.
Hammersteyn
January 22, 2015 at 13:22
It locates you.
RinceThis
January 22, 2015 at 13:13
…
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:15
ROR!!!!!!!!!!
Quo Vadis?
January 22, 2015 at 13:20
Lacist!
Ryanza
January 22, 2015 at 13:14
925570 for the PS4 vs 45958 for the Xbox One, lol. Japan hates the Xbox One. Well a lot of the world hates the Xbox One.
Don’t Support DRM. Or Don’t Support consoles that had major DRM plans. Or Don’t Support a console that needs the internet before it can play the fucking games.
Kensei Seraph
January 22, 2015 at 13:15
Or Don’t Support consoles.
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:15
Filthy Peasants…
Quo Vadis?
January 22, 2015 at 13:16
pc whore
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:18
I’m a sucker for those 1080p’s at 60 faps per secon… FRAMES. I MEANT FRAMES.
Quo Vadis?
January 22, 2015 at 13:20
We know what you meant really. Probably a local on a site that rhymes with schmornhub. Judging from that, Xbox One your next purchase I guess? 😉
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:20
HOW DID YOU KNO… I MEAN NO! NO GODDAMMIT!
*cries*
Blood Emperor Trevor
January 22, 2015 at 13:46
Don’t cry, they’re still playing games on consoles.
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:47
Well they can’t fap all the time, they do need breaks after all. 😛
Jaded_Reprobate
January 22, 2015 at 13:16
3 ;D
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:21
*flog.
Learn to idiom. Peasant. 😛
Hammersteyn
January 22, 2015 at 13:22
We’re so sorry.
*Goes back to playing GTAV
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:23
Lol. If you knew how disinterested I am in that game you’d not use it as an example 😉
Jonah Cash
January 22, 2015 at 13:25
Ok, Last of Us?
Hammersteyn
January 22, 2015 at 13:26
He’s about as interested in that as we are Star Citizen
Admiral Chief
January 22, 2015 at 13:26
YOU ARE ALSO PART OF US JOU DRAADSITTER
Hammersteyn
January 22, 2015 at 13:27
LOL I’d rather be a peasant than call people peasants
Jonah Cash
January 22, 2015 at 13:30
If you aren’t interested in playing Last of Us, then you are doing it wrong!!
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:32
I have about 6 games on the go at the moment. All of them great, all of them demanding my time. I don’t care about TLOU.
Quo Vadis?
January 22, 2015 at 13:33
Cretin!
Quo Vadis?
January 22, 2015 at 13:29
Its lost on them, Jonah. The type that believes the Sistine Chapel needs an overhaul with lumo pink paint.
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:31
My gf just bought me my next time sink. For our anniversary. Who cares about consoles? 😀
Refresh for image
Quo Vadis?
January 22, 2015 at 13:23
bwahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!
Admiral Chief
January 22, 2015 at 13:17
Aye
Kensei Seraph
January 22, 2015 at 13:21
Or Support physical books.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/P/8375780294.01._SX140_SY224_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
ToshZA
January 22, 2015 at 13:22
Ok, this. This x 100000000000000.
Hammersteyn
January 22, 2015 at 13:22
XD XD XD XD XD
Ryanza
January 22, 2015 at 13:24
Just to add. The author hates the Witcher games.
Kensei Seraph
January 22, 2015 at 13:25
Ouch, that sucks.
Ryanza
January 22, 2015 at 13:37
Sold the rights for that TV show and they fucked it up. Sold the rights for the video game and they did a decent job.
Now they using the games artwork on the covers of his books and there is now a lot of gamers interested in his books. He doesn’t like that people are discovering his books because of the video games. He wants his books to speak for themselves, not to be compared to a fucking video game with lots of writers. His not writing the video games, so fuck the video games.
I still say that more people are now interested in the books because of the video games which is a good thing and getting these fucking gamers to read is always a good thing.
And these Witcher books are good. I’ve noticed people who are not into fantasy books, liking the Witcher books.
Mandom (Umar)
January 22, 2015 at 13:21
Yokai Watch is huge. Calling it, its gonna be the new age pokemon….
Pieter Kruger
January 22, 2015 at 13:41
Yeah not my cup of Wii, they can keep it! That Yokai Watch for instance? Looks like your friends with a human sized sperm ffs!
Blood Emperor Trevor
January 22, 2015 at 13:46
Everywhere else in the world they’re NINTENDON’T, AMIRITE?
Quo Vadis?
January 22, 2015 at 13:47
rite.
Ghost In The Rift
January 22, 2015 at 14:01
Im sure if Commander Shepard had big eyeballs or squints he would be big in Japan:-D
Blood Emperor Trevor
January 22, 2015 at 14:04
Hurro! I’m Lordo Commandlo Shleppad and this is my favourite store on the Citarrel!
Ghost In The Rift
January 22, 2015 at 14:07
LOL
Do Javik:-P
CAE9872
January 22, 2015 at 15:59
I think the Japanese market is still huge – those numbers say so as well. The problem is that the Japanese public have gone elsewhere for whatever reason. You tell Sony or MS they could have just 25% to 30% of that 3DS market and they would bite your arm off. But it doesn’t look like it is going to happen.
Why do our Japanese fellow gamers like such weird stuff anyway? And cannot be “just because they like weird shit” answer either!!! Come on Geoff, enlighten us. And likewise why do we think most Japanese games are “weird shit” to start with!
Now my head hurts.
*goes off for a lie down*
Rugga
January 22, 2015 at 19:13
If it wasn’t for their handhelds, Nintendo would have left the industry 20 years ago.
Ryanza
January 22, 2015 at 19:45
Wii was number 1 last gen. Sold shit lots. Gamecube and N64 were good, sold well.
Wii U should have over 8 million sold. Not a great start but once the games start coming then it should sell well.
Rugga
January 22, 2015 at 19:47
Compared to the PS1 and PS2, GC and N64 got stomped out sorry. The variety paled in comparison. The Wii was a fluke nothing more. Now they are back where they were 20 years ago.
Ryanza
January 22, 2015 at 19:54
It’s not about being number 1. Nintendo doesn’t even compete to be number 1. Nintendo is Nintendo and that’s why we love them. Nintendo has done ok over the years to stay relevant.
Nintendo has also been the fun, put a smile on your face, console. Plus it’s got Baynonetta 2 now.
Rugga
January 22, 2015 at 20:28
They don’t compete to be number 1 because they can’t anymore. 3rd party left them once PS1 arrived and they never looked back. I like Nintendo games but don’t beat around the bush. Maybe you were too young. Nintendo were a fierce beast during the NES and SNES times. Now they had to step aside because they couldn’t compete with the big boys.
Ryanza
January 22, 2015 at 20:42
I could be wrong but Nintendo is a video console and software company now.
Xbox has Microsoft money. Playstation has Sony money.
For Xbox to compete Microsoft’s gaming division run at a loss for many years.
PS3 run at a loss for a long time.
Nintendo tries to run at a profit from get go with every console sold. Wii U + one game = profit for Nintendo when the console was released and that’s playing it close for Nintendo.