[Japan] Media Create sales for Week 1, 2019 (December 31st – January 6th) [Top 50]

Here’s the latest sales report from Media Create (and Famitsu), covering Week 1 2019 in Japan.

Media Create

Week 1 is a pretty busy week for the Japanese video games market, thanks to the New Year’s break, and this year is no exception. Nintendo Switch games are selling like hot pancakes, and taking full advantage of the last week of the holiday season. Nintendo’s console account for 15 of the 20 games from the Top 20 provided by Media Create (the Nintendo 3DS is now completely gone).

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate seems unstoppable, with no less than 258 974 units sold this week. Sales did drop slightly (-6%), which would be bad news if the game had not sold extremely well in December. With how high December sales were, it’s actually quite the feat there was but a slight drop during Week 1. Of course, it will be a different story in Week 2, but then again, it’s the market as a whole that will see a major drop in sales during that week. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has now sold over 2 614 160 units LTD.

As for Super Mario Party, it nearly went over the 100 000 units milestone again, with 95 102 units sold. Just like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, its sales saw a slightly drop this week because December sales were already pretty high. It’s now sold 936 140 units, and it looks like it could reach 1 million units this very month.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Let’s Go, Eevee! sold 68 308 units during the first week of 2019, which is a decent performance, but one that implies sales on the long run are not going to be as good as previous Pokémon games. All the other evergreen titles on Nintendo Switch saw a major increase in sales this week, with the exception of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Mario Party, which means the post-holiday season drop is going to be worse for this particular game.

Of course, it’s still too early to say for sure, but early signs don’t point towards steady long-term sales (not to mention the Gen. 8 game will be announced in a few months). So far, it’s sold 1 399 595 units, and it will reach 1.5 million units in late January (early February at the latest). Right now, it’s not clear if it will manage to reach 2 million units at retail alone.

On the other hand, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe saw a more “normal” increase for Week 1, with 55 758 units sold (+33%). With how it’s selling, you would not think that it’s actually a port of a game first released back in 2014! It’s now sold over 2 million units (2 055 899 units), and it’s pretty clear it’s going to keep selling until the Nintendo Switch gets a successor (or Mario Kart 9 is released, whichever happens first). It definitely could reach 3 million units LTD, especially if you factor in digital sales.

Just like Famitsu yesterday, Media Create reports that the Nintendo Switch version of Dragon Quest Builders 2 has now outsold the PlayStation 4 version. The game sold 75 000 units this week, with the Nintendo Switch version accounting for 47 176 units (+36%). Combined, both versions have sold over 358 000 units (179 438 units on Nintendo Switch), and they should reach the 400 000 milestone next week (500 000 units during Q1). Not a downright terrible performance, but sales remain way below those of the original…

Among the evergreens on Nintendo Switch, we have Splatoon 2 and Minecraft pretty close to each other, with 43 033 units sold for the former and 42 485 units for the latter. Splatoon 2 is nearing the 3 million units milestone (2 882 819 units as of this weekà, and it looks like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate may end up reaching it first! As for Minecraft, it’s well on its way to the 1 million units milestone, which should be reached sometime this year (it’s currently sitting at 549 754 units LTD).

As for Go Vacation, it did something that happens pretty rarely: it sold more during its second launch than during its launch week. It sold 21 826 units during its second week, which is a 64% increase: something that could not have happened if not for New Year’s. It’s not clear if this particular game is going to sell on the long run, and we will have to wait a few weeks to find out how much staying power it has. As of this week, it’s sold 35 136 units, and it should reach 50 000 units this month.

Next, let’s take a look at how games in the second half of the Top 20 provided by Media Create are faring:

• 11./10. [NSW] The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo) – 19.363 / 1.246.656 (+27%). Strong sales to start 2019!
• 12./13. [NSW] Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo) – 16.896 / 1.931.675 (+35%). It will reach 2 million units within the next couple of months;
• 13./16. [NSW] Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! (Bandai Namco Games) – 16.600 / 286.278 (+69%). Nice. It will reach 300 000 units in January;
• 14./14. [NSW] Kirby Star Allies (Nintendo) – 14.769 / 717.643 (+35%). It’s now sold over 700 000 units, and 800 000 units is the next milestone (should be reached during the first half of 2019);
• 16./18. [NSW] Mario Tennis Aces (Nintendo) – 10.468 / 411.002 (+35%). It’s now sold over 400 000 units, and should have no trouble reaching 500 000 units (even without digital sales);
• 19./24. [NSW] Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo) – 7.718 / 177.872. It makes its comeback in the Top 20 from Media Create, and is getting closer and closer to the 200 000 units milestone on Nintendo Switch alone (the Nintendo 3DS also sold pretty well);
• 20./26. [NSW] Dragon Ball FighterZ (Bandai Namco Games) – 7.554 / 73.861. The holiday season provided a healthy boost for this game, which will eventually reach 100 000 units: a pretty solid performance for a late port.

Media Create – Software Top 50

01./01. [NSW] Super Smash Bros. Ultimate # <FTG> (Nintendo) {2018.12.07} (¥7.200) – 258.974 / 2.614.160 (-6%)
02./02. [NSW] Super Mario Party # <ETC> (Nintendo) {2018.10.05} (¥5.980) – 95.102 / 936.140 (-4%)
03./03. [NSW] Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Let’s Go, Eevee! # <RPG> (Pokemon Co.) {2018.11.16} (¥5.980) – 68.308 / 1.399.595 (+4%)
04./04. [NSW] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe <RCE> (Nintendo) {2017.04.28} (¥5.980) – 55.758 / 2.055.899 (+33%)
05./05. [NSW] Dragon Quest Builders 2 <ADV> (Square Enix) {2018.12.20} (¥7.800) – 47.176 / 179.438 (+36%)
06./06. [NSW] Splatoon 2 # <ACT> (Nintendo) {2017.07.21} (¥5.980) – 43.033 / 2.882.819 (+40%)
07./09. [NSW] Minecraft # <ADV> (Microsoft Game Studios) {2018.06.21} (¥3.600) – 42.845 / 549.754 (+58%)
08./07. [PS4] Dragon Quest Builders 2 <ADV> (Square Enix) {2018.12.20} (¥7.800) – 38.969 / 179.130 (+30%)
09./12. [NSW] Go Vacation <ETC> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.12.27} (¥4.980) – 21.826 / 35.136 (+64%)
10./08. [PS4] Judgment <ADV> (Sega) {2018.12.13} (¥8.290) – 20.018 / 233.456 (-27%)
11./10. [NSW] The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild # <ADV> (Nintendo) {2017.03.03} (¥6.980) – 19.363 / 1.246.656 (+27%)
12./13. [NSW] Super Mario Odyssey # <ACT> (Nintendo) {2017.10.27} (¥5.980) – 16.896 / 1.931.675 (+35%)
13./16. [NSW] Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! <ACT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.07.19} (¥6.100) – 16.600 / 286.278 (+69%)
14./14. [NSW] Kirby Star Allies <ACT> (Nintendo) {2018.03.16} (¥5.980) – 14.769 / 717.643 (+35%)
15./11. [PS4] God Eater 3 # <ACT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.12.13} (¥8.200) – 10.610 / 200.510 (-26%)
16./18. [NSW] Mario Tennis Aces <SPT> (Nintendo) {2018.06.22} (¥5.980) – 10.468 / 411.002 (+35%)
17./19. [PS4] Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII <ACT> (Sony Interactive Entertainment) {2018.10.12} (¥7.900) – 8.726 / 514.181 (+30%)
18./22. [PS4] Battlefield V <ACT> (Electronic Arts) {2018.11.20} (¥7.800) – 8.155 / 167.514
19./24. [NSW] Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker <ADV> (Nintendo) {2018.07.13} (¥3.980) – 7.718 / 177.872
20./26. [NSW] Dragon Ball FighterZ <FTG> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.09.27} (¥6.800) – 7.554 / 73.861
21./20. [3DS] Pokemon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon <RPG> (Pokemon Co.) {2017.11.17} (¥4.980)
22./17. [3DS] Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey <RPG> (Nintendo) {2018.12.27} (¥4.980)
23./27. [NSW] FIFA 19 # <SPT> (Electronic Arts) {2018.09.28} (¥5.800)
24./21. [3DS] Luigi’s Mansion <ACT> (Nintendo) {2018.11.08} (¥4.980)
25./35. [NSW] Fitness Boxing <HOB> (Imagineer) {2018.12.20} (¥5.800)
26./25. [NSW] Katamari Damacy Reroll <ACT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.12.20} (¥3.200)
27./00. [NSW] Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit <EDU> (Nintendo) {2018.04.20} (¥6.980)
28./40. [NSW] Billion Road <TBL> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.11.29} (¥5.700)
29./00. [PS4] PlayStation VR Worlds |PlayStation VR| # <ETC> (Sony Interactive Entertainment) {2016.10.13} (¥4.900)
30./30. [3DS] Animal Crossing: New Leaf – Welcome amiibo # <ETC> (Nintendo) {2016.11.23} (¥2.700)
31./00. [NSW] 1-2-Switch <ETC> (Nintendo) {2017.03.03} (¥4.980)
32./00. [NSW] Fortnite # <ACT> (Warner Entertainment Japan) {2018.12.13} (¥3.000)
33./00. [NSW] Pro Baseball Famista Evolution <SPT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.08.02} (¥6.100)
34./00. [NSW] Super Run For Money Tousouchuu & Sentouchuu Double Pack <Super Run For Money Tousouchuu Atsumare! Saikyou no Tousou Monotachi \ Super Battle For Money Sentouchuu: Kyuukyoku no Shinobu to Battle Player Choujou Kessen!> <ACT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.11.29} (¥5.300)
35./29. [PS4] Winning Eleven 2019 <SPT> (Konami) {2018.08.30} (¥7.600)
36./28. [3DS] Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS <FTG> (Nintendo) {2014.09.13} (¥5.200)
37./00. [NSW] Arms <FTG> (Nintendo) {2017.06.16} (¥5.980)
38./00. [NSW] Sumikko Gurashi: Atsumare! Sumikko Town <ETC> (Nippon Columbia) {2018.10.04} (¥5.800)
39./00. [NSW] Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03: Drive Kit <EDU> (Nintendo) {2018.09.14} (¥6.980)
40./00. [3DS] Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker <ADV> (Nintendo) {2018.07.13} (¥3.980)
41./00. [NSW] Kamen Rider: Climax Scramble Zi-O # <FTG> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.11.29} (¥6.800)
42./00. [3DS] Mario Party: The Top 100 <ETC> (Nintendo) {2017.12.28} (¥4.980)
43./00. [3DS] Cats Together <ETC> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.11.21} (¥5.300)
44./00. [PS4] Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 + II.5 ReMIX <Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 ReMIX <Kingdom Hearts \ Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories> \ Kingdom Hearts HD II.5 ReMIX <Kingdom Hearts II \ Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ \ Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep>> <RPG> (Square Enix) {2017.03.09} (¥6.800)
45./23. [PS4] Onimusha: Warlords # <ACT> (Capcom) {2018.12.20} (¥3.490)
46./15. [NSW] Diablo III: Eternal Collection <Diablo III \ Diablo III: Reaper of Souls \ Diablo III: Rise of the Necromancer> <RPG> (Blizzard Entertainment) {2018.12.27} (¥6.980)
47./00. [NSW] Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze <ACT> (Nintendo) {2018.05.03} (¥5.980)
48./00. [3DS] WarioWare Gold <ETC> (Nintendo) {2018.08.02} (¥4.980)
49./00. [PS4] Dead by Daylight <ACT> (3goo) {2018.11.29} (¥5.600)
50./00. [NSW] Pokken Tournament DX <FTG> (Pokemon Co.) {2017.09.22} (¥5.980)

Media Create – Number of games in Top 50

NSW – 31
PS4 – 10
3DS – 9

Media Create – Hardware

The Nintendo Switch started 2019 the same way it ended 2018: by largely dominating Hardware sales (though the PlayStation 4 did pretty well, with the combined effect of New Year’s and a special promotion). Nintendo’s console sold nearly 200 000 units: 199 982 units to be precise; a strong performance which bodes pretty well for Q1 (which is usually weaker for Nintendo platforms).

In comparison, the Nintendo Switch sold 146 006 units during Week 1 in 2018. With a stronger line-up (including the behemoth known as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate), it’s no wonder that 2019 starts better than 2018. Right now, it’s not clear how the Nintendo Switch will fare this year compared to 2018, especially as shortages came to an end after the holiday season. This year, the Nintendo Switch will have to sell strictly on the strengths of its line-up.

And what better way for the Nintendo Switch to start 2019 than by reaching the 7 million units milestone! It’s now sold 7 046 766 units, and unless sales slow down to dangerous levels, it should reach 8 million units during the first half of the year. Nintendo’s console is also drawing pretty near to the total sales of the PlayStation 4 (7 735 615 units), but it’s going to take several months before it’s able to overtake it (especially with the strong line-up for Q1, which is weaker on Nintendo Switch).

As for the Nintendo 3DS, it sales increased by 100% this week, and topped 26 483 units. That’s surprisingly decent compared to last year, when it sold 45 737 units. Of course, it’s the last week with somewhat decent sales for the handheld: starting Week 2, sales will drop like a rock, and they’re unlikely to recover. It’s pretty safe to expect it to sell low, but steady amount through 2019 and/or until Nintendo decided to discontinue it.

Famitsu – Software Top 30

01./01. [NSW] Super Smash Bros. Ultimate # <FTG> (Nintendo) {2018.12.07} (¥7.200) – 267.432 / 2.628.087 <80-100%> (+5%)
02./02. [NSW] Super Mario Party # <ETC> (Nintendo) {2018.10.05} (¥5.980) – 97.508 / 862.361 <80-100%> (+13%)
03./03. [NSW] Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Let’s Go, Eevee! # <RPG> (Pokemon Co.) {2018.11.16} (¥5.980) – 72.647 / 1.326.324 <80-100%> (+25%)
04./04. [NSW] Mario Kart 8 Deluxe <RCE> (Nintendo) {2017.04.28} (¥5.980) – 65.548 / 2.095.845 <80-100%> (+43%)
05./07. [NSW] Minecraft # <ADV> (Microsoft Game Studios) {2018.06.21} (¥3.600) – 51.071 / 576.116 <80-100%> (+58%)
06./08. [NSW] Splatoon 2 # <ACT> (Nintendo) {2017.07.21} (¥5.980) – 48.489 / 2.922.909 <80-100%> (+55%)
07./05. [NSW] Dragon Quest Builders 2 <ADV> (Square Enix) {2018.12.20} (¥7.800) – 38.053 / 203.471 <60-80%> (+0%)
08./06. [PS4] Dragon Quest Builders 2 <ADV> (Square Enix) {2018.12.20} (¥7.800) – 26.190 / 190.072 <60-80%> (-19%)
09./12. [NSW] Go Vacation <ETC> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.12.27} (¥4.980) – 23.834 / 36.875 <40-60%> (+83%)
10./09. [PS4] Judgment <ADV> (Sega) {2018.12.13} (¥8.290) – 21.267 / 245.315 <80-100%> (-30%)
11./11. [NSW] The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild # <ADV> (Nintendo) {2017.03.03} (¥6.980) – 20.590 / 1.200.282 <80-100%> (+46%)
12./13. [NSW] Super Mario Odyssey # <ACT> (Nintendo) {2017.10.27} (¥5.980) – 19.150 / 1.919.356 <80-100%> (+66%)
13./14. [NSW] Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! <ACT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.07.19} (¥6.100) – 16.588 / 287.003 <80-100%> (+66%)
14./17. [NSW] Kirby Star Allies <ACT> (Nintendo) {2018.03.16} (¥5.980) – 13.428 / 678.243 <80-100%> (+59%)
15./10. [PS4] God Eater 3 # <ACT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.12.13} (¥8.200) – 11.937 / 186.771 <80-100%> (-22%)
16./23. [NSW] Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit <EDU> (Nintendo) {2018.04.20} (¥6.980) – 11.703 / 238.548 <80-100%> (+107%)
17./19. [NSW] Mario Tennis Aces <SPT> (Nintendo) {2018.06.22} (¥5.980) – 10.209 / 386.575 <80-100%> (+72%)
18./21. [PS4] Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII <ACT> (Sony Interactive Entertainment) {2018.10.12} (¥7.900) – 7.998 / 487.509 <80-100%> (+38%)
19./25. [NSW] Dragon Ball FighterZ <FTG> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.09.27} (¥6.800) – 7.946 / 72.945 <80-100%> (+61%)
20./18. [3DS] Pokemon Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon # <RPG> (Pokemon Co.) {2017.11.17} (¥4.980) – 7.407 / 2.440.686 <80-100%> (+19%)
21./29. [NSW] Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker <ADV> (Nintendo) {2018.07.13} (¥3.980) – 7.060 / 163.390 <80-100%> (+59%)
22./15. [3DS] Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey <RPG> (Nintendo) {2018.12.27} (¥4.980) – 7.043 / 16.221 <20-40%> (-23%)
23./24. [NSW] FIFA 19 # <SPT> (Electronic Arts) {2018.09.28} (¥5.800) – 6.812 / 66.193 <80-100%> (+29%)
24./26. [PS4] Battlefield V <ACT> (Electronic Arts) {2018.11.20} (¥7.800) – 6.717 / 151.026 <60-80%> (+36%)
25./20. [PS4] Winning Eleven 2019 <SPT> (Konami) {2018.08.30} (¥7.600) – 6.325 / 161.570 <80-100%> (+8%)
26./30. [NSW] Super Run For Money Tousouchuu & Sentouchuu Double Pack <Super Run For Money Tousouchuu Atsumare! Saikyou no Tousou Monotachi \ Super Battle For Money Sentouchuu: Kyuukyoku no Shinobu to Battle Player Choujou Kessen!> <ACT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.11.29} (¥5.300) – 5.081 / 28.255 <80-100%> (+31%)
27./28. [NSW] Katamari Damacy Reroll <ACT> (Bandai Namco Games) {2018.12.20} (¥3.200) – 4.989 / 20.111 <60-80%> (+2%)
28./00. [PS4] Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 + II.5 ReMIX <Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 ReMIX <Kingdom Hearts \ Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories> \ Kingdom Hearts HD II.5 ReMIX <Kingdom Hearts II \ Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ \ Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep>> <RPG> (Square Enix) {2017.03.09} (¥6.800) – 4.886 / 235.860 <80-100%>
29./27. [3DS] Luigi’s Mansion <ACT> (Nintendo) {2018.11.08} (¥4.980) – 4.712 / 87.289 <60-80%> (-4%)
30./00. [NSW] 1-2-Switch <ETC> (Nintendo) {2017.03.03} (¥4.980) – 4.630 / 445.401 <80-100%>

Famitsu – Number of games in Top 30

NSW – 20
PS4 – 7
3DS – 3

Famitsu – Hardware

Click here for more Japanese sales data!

Source: Media Create (via 4Gamer) / Famitsu
Data compiled by: Chris1964 (ResetEra)
Additional data via: Game Data Library