Famitsu: Pikmin 4 Has Massive Debut, Breaking Franchise Record

Every Thursday we share the weekly Famitsu sales charts, which tracks physical boxed game sales and hardware sales in Japan. This week’s chart covers July 17 – 23, as Pikmin 4 had its franchise record-breaking debut. The latest entry in the charming Pikmin series sold a staggering 401,000 units. This is a huge 135% increase in first week sales from the last physical Pikmin release with Pikmin 3 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch, which was also the previous best selling release week in the series at 171,000 units sold with its debut.

The sales potential of the Switch is showing no signs of slowing down as it ages, with every recent big first party title selling huge numbers in their first few days. Most Switch release go on to sell franchise-best level figures, and it appears the loveable Pikmin are no different. In its first few days on sale, Pikmin 4 has already outsold the Japanese physical sales of Final Fantasy XVI since its release, which has itself only just crossed the 401,000 sales point.

Here’s the full Famitsu software sales chart for July 17 – 23. Missed last week’s report with Tears of the Kingdom ruling despite Atelier Marie Remake‘s release? Check out the last Famitsu chart right here!

1. Pikmin 4 (Switch): 401,853 [debut]
2. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch): 15,616 [1,775,035 total]
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch): 10,749 [5,385,022 total]
4. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening (Switch): 10,633 [debut]
5. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening (PS4): 10,434 [debut]
6. Minecraft (Switch): 7,512 [3,200,000 total]
7. Splatoon 3 (Switch): 6,337 [4,066,350 total]
8. Nintendo Switch Sports (Switch): 5,784 [1,131,645 total]
9. Final Fantasy XVI (PS5): 4,904 [401,376 total]
10. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch): 4,844 [5,239,500 total]

Here’s the Famitsu hardware chart too. Console families are grouped together for simplicity.

1. Switch: 71,180 [2,271,136 yearly total]
2. PS5: 46,561 [1,615,966 yearly total]
3. XBS: 1,158 [75,175 yearly total]

Did you pick up any games on this week’s chart? Have you played Pikmin 4? Let us know in the comments below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more gaming news.