Famitsu has released data concerning the Half-Year performance of both hardware and software sold in Japan for the year 2020, available on their site here. Therefore, it is thanks to them that we get to see all of the information available on this post, so be sure to head over to their site here and show them some love!
According to research done by Famitsu, the first half of the year 2020 has seen both hardware and software outstripping the market size for the first half of the year 2019. Market size for hardware grew 120% while software saw a jump of 129% for the year. In total, the two saw an increase of 124.8% year-on-year.
Market Size Comparison
(The First Half of 2019, from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019)
First Half of 2019 (26 weeks)
Hardware: 66.12 billion yen (~$616 million)
Software: 73.99 billion yen (~$689 million)
Total: 140.1 billion yen (~$1.305 billion)
First Half of 2020 (26 Weeks)
Year-on-year
Hardware: 120.0%
Software: 129.0%
Total: 124.8%
As for sales of each hardware, Nintendo Switch continues to perform exceptionally well for the first half of 2020. It sold nearly 2.7 million units alone in Japan, six times the figure of Playstation 4 which comes in 2nd with 435,000 units sold. According to Famitsu, the high number of sales is attributable to the launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Xbox One machines sold the least among the four hardware. Cumulatively, sales of Nintendo Switch has surpassed 14 million units in Japan while Playstation 4 is at 9.1 million units.
Breakdown of Sales for Each Hardware
(The accumulated number of total of sales for each unit since its release date to June 28, 2020)
Hardware
Nintendo Switch
Playstation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo 3DS
Estimated Sales Figure for the First Half of 2020
2,666,882 units
435,812 units
2,685 units
33,340 units
Total Cumulative Sales
14,050,313 units
9,184,055 units
113,931 units
24,529,487 units
Please note that:
1. Nintendo Switch is inclusive of Nintendo Switch Lite
2. Playstation 4 is inclusive of Playstation 4 Pro
3. Xbox One is inclusive of both Xbox One S and Xbox One X
4. Nintendo 3DS is inclusive of Nintendo 3DS LL, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DSLL, Nintendo 2DS and New Nintendo 2DS LL
It is no surprising, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a hit among fans in Japan. The title sold more than 5 million copies within the span of three months. It takes the top spot for the most number of copies sold for the first half of 2020. Trailing closely behind – though far in terms of copies sold – is Final Fantasy VII Remake at 930,000 copies. Pokemon Sword and Shield is at 3rd with 650,000 copies sold so far in the first half of 2020.
Top 10 Game Software Sales for the First Half of 2020
(The accumulated number of total of sales for copies sold since its release date to June 28, 2020)
Title
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)
2. Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS4)
3. Pokémon Sword and Shield (Switch)
4. Ring Fit Adventure (Switch)
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch)
6. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch)
7. Minecraft (Switch)
8. Resident Evil 3 (PS4)
9. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (Switch)
10. Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS4)
Release Date
Mar. 20, 2020
Apr. 10, 2020
Nov. 15, 2019
Oct. 18, 2019
Apr. 28, 2017
Dec. 7, 2018
Jun. 21, 2018
Apr. 3, 2020
Mar. 6, 2020
Jan. 16, 2020
First Half of 2020
5,004,720 copies
931,165 copies
650,859 copies
577,875 copies
346,034 copies
284,717 copies
280,662 copies
263,625 copies
260,802 copies
259,580 copies
Total Cumulative Sales
5,004,720 copies
931,165 copies
3,638,993 copies
1,073,514 copies
3,005,043 copies
3,737,769 copies
1,426,601 copies
263,625 copies
260,802 copies
259,580 copies
Despite Nintendo’s dominance in the charts, Famitsu said that people should be on their toes as Xbox Series X and Playstation 5 are set to release in the second half of 2020. The release of these two new consoles along with the games may see a change in the charts, which will keep things exciting going into 2021.
Let me know if you find any faults with the list. Also if you would like to share your thoughts with us, you can do so in the comment section down below!
Source: Famitsu
Featured image: Nintendo
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