Japan is one of the most important and competitive markets for video game consoles, being the birthplace of giants like Nintendo and Sony. In recent years, the market has undergone changes, with new consoles challenging the legacy of classics. Let's explore the best-selling consoles in Japan with data updated until the year 2024.
Table of Contents
Nintendo Switch: The New Sales Leader
The Nintendo Switch is the best-selling console in Japan until 2024, with an impressive 35.62 million units sold. Launched in 2017, its hybrid concept — functioning as both a handheld and a home console — has won over players of all ages.
Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons were fundamental to the success of the console. The constant addition of new games and updates, like the OLED model, helped keep the Switch at the forefront of the market.
Nintendo DS: A Classic of Handhelds
With 32.99 million units sold, the Nintendo DS was the king of handhelds for years. Launched in 2004, it introduced the innovation of dual screens, one of which was touch-sensitive, revolutionizing the portable gaming experience.
Games like Pokémon Diamond & Pearl and Brain Age have marked generations, expanding the console's reach to casual and hardcore audiences. Even after the arrival of new technologies, the DS is still celebrated as one of Nintendo's greatest successes.
Game Boy and Game Boy Color: The Pioneers of Handhelds
The Game Boy and the Game Boy Color, together, sold 32.47 million units in Japan. Released in 1989 and 1998, respectively, these consoles defined the era of handhelds and established Nintendo as a leader in this segment.
Titles like Tetris and Pokémon Red & Blue were crucial to success. The simplicity, durability, and vast library of games secured their place in the hearts of players.
Nintendo 3DS: The 3D Revolution
Released in 2011, the Nintendo 3DS sold 25.26 million units in Japan. Its biggest innovation was the stereoscopic 3D technology, which eliminated the need for glasses to create depth in images.
Games like Mario Kart 7 and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS helped to consolidate the console's success. Even with the end of its production, it remains one of the most beloved handhelds.
PlayStation 2: Worldwide Success and Relevance in Japan
Although it is the best-selling console worldwide, with 155 million units, in Japan the PlayStation 2 reached 24.42 million units. Released in 2000, it brought advanced graphics for the time and DVD player functionality, which expanded its appeal.
Iconic games like Final Fantasy X and Kingdom Hearts were essential to the success of the PS2. Their legacy remains strong to this day.
Recent Consoles: Promising Growth
The newest consoles have also gained ground in Japan:
- O PlayStation 5 has already reached 2.58 million units sold until 2024, standing out as the most promising next-generation console.
- O Nintendo Switch OLED, an enhanced version of the original Switch, contributed to the continued growth of sales for the main console.
I hope this list of best-selling consoles helps you understand the Japanese market!
