In an exciting twist in Japan’s gaming industry, *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* has surged to the top position in the weekly game rankings, leaving the much-anticipated *Princess Peach: Showtime!* to settle for second place. This development marks a notable shift in the preferences of the gaming community, with *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* demonstrating its enduring appeal more than six years after its initial release on April 28, 2017.
According to the latest data from Famitsu, for the week of April 15-21, *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* raced ahead with 11,585 copies sold, escalating its total to an impressive 5,804,495. In comparison, *Princess Peach: Showtime!*, which made a splash on March 22, managed to sell 8,012 units this week, bringing its cumulative sales figure to 143,180. This switch in ranking showcases the dynamic nature of game popularity and consumer interests in the vibrant Japanese gaming market.
Following closely behind in the third spot is *Super Mario Bros. Wonder*, another title from the powerhouse Nintendo, with 7,470 weekly sales reaching a total of 1,829,996 copies. This platformer continues to enchant players with its innovative mechanics and charming presentation, underscored by its impressive sales since its launch on October 20, 2023.
*Animal Crossing: New Horizons*, another perennial favorite from Nintendo, remains a strong contender, securing the fourth position with a weekly sale of 7,078 units. This brings its grand total sales to an astonishing 7,747,713 since its release on March 20, 2020. The game’s ability to offer a tranquil escape and endless customization options has cemented its status as one of the most beloved titles on the Nintendo Switch.
Making its mark as the fifth most popular game of the week is *Nintendo Switch Sports*, achieving 6,131 sales and pushing its total to 1,320,273. Released on April 29, 2022, the game revitalizes the concept of motion-based gaming, allowing players to immerse themselves in various sports activities from the comfort of their homes.
The list further features titles across multiple genres and platforms, showcasing the diverse tastes of the Japanese gaming audience. Notably, *Rise of the Ronin* from Sony Interactive Entertainment lands in the sixth spot for the PS5, with a total of 109,501 units sold since its release on March 22.
Other notable entries in the top 20 include *Minecraft*, *Splatoon 3*, *ARK: Survival Ascended*, and *Super Smash Brothers Ultimate*, each offering unique gaming experiences. *Minecraft* continues to engage with its sandbox creativity, while *Splatoon 3* keeps players hooked with its vibrant splat-fests. The newest entry, *ARK: Survival Ascended*, brings a fresh adventure to PS5 gamers, with 4,127 units sold in its debut week.
The rankings also highlight enduring franchises like *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* from Square Enix and innovative titles like *It Takes Two*, illustrating the rich tapestry of gaming culture in Japan. *Mario Party Superstars*, *Super Mario Party*, and *Pokémon Scarlet/Violet* further demonstrate Nintendo’s dominance in delivering captivating content that spans generations of gamers.
This week’s sales figures offer valuable insights into the ever-evolving preferences of gamers, with classic franchises and innovative new entries vying for attention in Japan’s competitive market. As these trends continue to evolve, the gaming industry eagerly awaits to see which titles will capture players’ imagination next.
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