Nintendo Japan Reveals Top Downloaded Games of 2025, Mario Kart World Takes the Crown
Nintendo Japan Reveals Top Downloaded Games of 2025, Mario Kart World Takes the Crown
Nintendo Japan has officially released its 2025 digital download rankings for the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. The data covers the period from January 1 to December 21, 2025, and marks the first time download rankings from the Nintendo Switch 2 platform have been included, offering a clear snapshot of market momentum for Nintendo’s new generation hardware.
Leading the Nintendo Switch 2 category is Mario Kart World, priced at 8,980 yen. According to Nintendo’s financial report released in November, the game recorded 9.57 million copies sold, while total Switch 2 hardware sales stood at 10.36 million units as of the end of September. This near one to one ratio strongly suggests that almost every new Switch 2 owner picked up Mario Kart World alongside their console.
A major factor behind this overwhelming success is Nintendo’s bundling strategy. The company offered both standalone hardware and console bundles that included Mario Kart World, with bundle sales alone reaching approximately 8.1 million units. This highlights the enduring trust players place in the Mario Kart brand and their preference to start the new generation with a familiar flagship title on day one.
Other notable entries in the Switch 2 rankings include Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition in second place, followed by Kirby Air Riders in third. All top three titles come from Nintendo’s own flagship franchises, reinforcing the company’s continued dominance through first party software even as it transitions into a new hardware era.
On the original Nintendo Switch, Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A secured the top download spot. It was followed by the relaxing life simulation title Tamagotchi Paradise and the evergreen hit Minecraft, showing that Switch users continue to favor accessible, long term gameplay experiences.
Overall, the 2025 rankings include only titles rated CERO D and below or IARC 16+ and under. The results paint a picture of a smooth generational transition for Nintendo, with Switch 2 launching strongly while the original Switch remains highly relevant. For players across the SEA Region, these rankings reflect another highly successful year for Nintendo’s ecosystem.
Source: Otaku Research
