Japan Sales Charts: A PS5 Title Takes the Top Spot While Like a Dragon Thrives

The game “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii,” which was released on February 21, has quickly taken the lead in the latest Japanese sales charts. It’s been quite some time since we have seen significant news regarding PlayStation game sales, making this moment particularly exciting for fans. The success of this title indicates a refreshing change, especially as it has managed to sell well on both the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PlayStation 4 (PS4).
In its debut week, “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” sold approximately 68,200 copies for the PS5, along with around 37,000 copies for the PS4. This achievement highlights the enduring appeal of the PS4 in Japan, as it continues to attract a strong base of players. However, despite the success of this new title, the overall PS5 console sales were not as impressive. The PS5 units sold totaled about 6,600, while the PS5 Pro only managed to sell around 5,200.
In contrast, the charts showed that the majority of the top-selling games were those for the Nintendo Switch, which has consistently maintained its popularity in Japan. This situation is a reminder that while new releases can create excitement, longstanding franchises and consoles still hold significant market share.
Looking ahead, attention will turn to the sales figures for the upcoming game “Monster Hunter Wilds.” This action role-playing game is set to release soon and is anticipated to significantly boost PS5 sales, as it is a beloved title in Japan. It will be intriguing to see how it compares to the current top-selling games and if it can provide any much-needed momentum for the PS5.
In terms of the software sales rankings, here are some notable mentions:
1. “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” for PS5 – 68,219 copies
2. “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” for PS4 – 36,942 copies
3. “Donkey Kong Country Returns HD” for Nintendo Switch – 10,714 copies
4. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” for Nintendo Switch – 10,418 copies
5. “Super Mario Party Jamboree” for Nintendo Switch – 9,988 copies
These figures illustrate a diverse range of games appealing to various audiences, with titles spanning different genres and platforms.
On the hardware sales front, the rankings remain dominated by Nintendo Switch models, showcasing their massive popularity:
1. Switch OLED Model – 27,306 units sold
2. Switch Lite – 8,394 units
3. PlayStation 5 – 6,602 units
4. PlayStation 5 Pro – 5,205 units
5. Original Switch – 3,472 units
The numbers indicate that while the PS5 is making some progress in the market, it still has a long way to go to catch up with the impressive sales figures of the Nintendo Switch devices. Meanwhile, other consoles, including the Xbox Series X and Series S, continue to lag behind.
As the gaming landscape evolves, the upcoming titles and their ability to influence sales will be crucial in shaping the future of console gaming in Japan. The anticipation builds as gamers look forward to what’s next in a highly competitive market.