Japan's Video Game Rankings, January 26-February 1

Code Vein II Takes the Top Spot in Japan's Game Rankings
Bandai Namco Entertainment's latest title, Code Vein II, has made a strong debut, securing the number one position in Japan's game rankings for the week of January 26 to February 1. The PlayStation 5 exclusive sold 14,452 copies during its first week, marking a successful launch for the action RPG.
Nintendo Dominates the Charts
Nintendo continues to hold a significant presence in the Japanese gaming market, with multiple titles across both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming "NSw 2" platform appearing in the top 20. Mario Kart World, slated for release on June 5, 2025, maintains its popularity at number two, adding 12,445 copies to its impressive total of 2,805,146.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons also showcases its enduring appeal, with both the NSw 2 and Nintendo Switch versions ranking high. The NSw 2 edition sold 9,941 copies, bringing its total to 52,918, while the original Nintendo Switch version continues to sell steadily, adding 9,042 copies to reach a staggering 8,362,221 total.
Anticipated Future Releases
Several upcoming titles for the NSw 2 are already making waves in the rankings, indicating strong consumer interest in Nintendo's future offerings. Pokémon Legends: Z-A, scheduled for release on October 16, 2025, appears twice in the top ten, demonstrating the franchise's continued popularity. The NSw 2 version occupies the fifth and seventh positions.
Other highly anticipated NSw 2 titles include Momotaro Dentetsu 2: Anata no Machi mo Kitto Aru Higashi Nihon-hen + Nishi Nihon-hen, Kirby Air Riders, Donkey Kong Bananza, Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. These games are generating considerable excitement among Japanese gamers.
Long-Standing Favorites Maintain Popularity
Despite the arrival of new releases, several established titles continue to perform well in the Japanese market. Minecraft for the Nintendo Switch maintains a strong presence, selling 4,110 copies and reaching a total of 4,142,086. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also remains a consistent seller, adding 3,126 copies to its impressive total of 6,538,806.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Nintendo Switch Sports also demonstrate their lasting appeal, selling 2,543 and 2,432 copies, respectively. These enduring favorites continue to resonate with Japanese gamers.
New Releases Make an Impact
In addition to Code Vein II's impressive debut, other new releases have also made their mark on the charts. Dokapon 3-2-1 Super Collection!, released on January 29, sold 2,978 copies in its first week. Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake with Power-Up Kit also launched on January 29, selling 2,539 copies.
These new titles contribute to the diverse range of games available to Japanese consumers.
Konami's Momotaro Dentetsu Shows Strength
Konami's Momotaro Dentetsu 2: Anata no Machi mo Kitto Aru Higashi Nihon-hen + Nishi Nihon-hen appears in the rankings for both the NSw 2 and Nintendo Switch platforms, highlighting the game's widespread popularity. The NSw 2 version sold 6,203 copies, while the Nintendo Switch version sold 5,243 copies.
Square Enix's Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the NSw 2 also made the top list. The game sold 5,289 units this week. The total sales of the game are now 28,717 units.
Overview of the Japanese Game Market
The Japanese game market continues to be dynamic, with a mix of new releases, established franchises, and anticipated future titles vying for consumers' attention. Nintendo maintains a strong foothold, while other publishers like Bandai Namco Entertainment, Konami, Square Enix, Sting and Koei Tecmo Games also contribute to the market's diversity. The success of Code Vein II demonstrates the potential for new titles to make a significant impact, while the enduring popularity of long-standing favorites highlights the importance of established franchises. The upcoming release of the NSw 2 is generating considerable excitement, with several anticipated titles already making their mark on the rankings.