Splatoon 2 is Japan’s First Console Game in Eight Years To Sell 2 Million Units

Nintendo’s squid-based multiplayer sequel Splatoon 2 has passed a significant mile marker, and one not seen in almost a decade at that.

According to the most recent software sales data from Famitsu, Splatoon 2 has sold 1,882,997 retail copies as well as 150,617 digital copies, making it the first console game to surpass 2 million units sold in Japan in over eight years. The last game to do so was Wii Party, which released back in 2010.

Though prominent names in console gaming such as Sony and Nintendo are based out of Japan, handheld gaming enjoys a much higher popularity due to factors like the prominence of commuter culture in the country. For a frame of reference, Splatoon 2 sold 670,955 units during its first week, whereas Pokémon Sun and Moon sold upwards of 1.9 million in the same span of time.

With the advent of the Nintendo Switch however, Nintendo’s console games have enjoyed a resurgence in sales reception and popularity, Splatoon 2 being no exception. Since its release, the game has regularly appeared on software best-seller lists, with online multiplayer events as well as live concerts and other media events related to the series held for fans.

For our thoughts on the game, check out our review. For more on the online multiplayer events and how they turned out, check out our piece covering the most recent holiday event.

More News

• The Switch’s Success Won’t Undermine the Xbox One X
• 3 Ways Mario Tennis Aces Can Change the Game
• Dark Souls Remastered Coming to Nintendo Switch This May