Animal Crossing Breaks Records with an Old-School Twist

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As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the pixelated world of Nintendo, I can confidently say that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. The sheer magnitude of its success is astounding, especially considering the dominance of digital downloads in today’s market.

It’s not at all unexpected that “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” has become a major success for Nintendo. What is surprising, however, is the sheer scale of its popularity. In Japan, it has broken records as the top-selling physical game ever, outperforming titles that held the title for years.

These days, fewer people buy physical versions of games compared to the past, instead opting for digital downloads. This trend makes the recent accomplishment even more noteworthy. For nearly three decades, the sales record was held by Pokémon Red and Green, which managed an astonishing 7.93 million copies sold – a truly impressive achievement!

Currently, the game “New Horizons” has surpassed the 8 million mark in physical sales, according to Famitsu, a trusted source for gaming data in Japan. The game’s continued popularity since its launch in 2020 undoubtedly played a significant role in reaching this impressive milestone.

As of now, Nintendo has not disclosed any news regarding a fresh installment in the beloved “Animal Crossing” game series. However, with whispers about a new console circulating, there’s a strong possibility that an update might be on the horizon. The fervor for this captivating series continues to grow unabated.

As a gamer globetrotting across digital platforms, it’s become a challenge to gauge where this record stands among the crowd. The physical sales scene is a tricky labyrinth, especially beyond Japan’s gaming frontiers. However, the digital sales narrative paints a different picture. Countless games have surpassed what Animal Crossing managed in its physical form, making me wonder if I’m part of a growing digital gaming revolution.

In Japan, physical retail sales of Animal Crossing: New Horizons have exceeded 8 million units, making it the second video game to achieve this remarkable milestone. When you include digital sales, the number goes beyond 11 million, making it the highest-selling game of all time in Japan.

— Game Data Library (@GameDataLibrary) December 26, 2024

Approximately 238 million copies of Minecraft have been sold, making it one of the best-selling video games. Grand Theft Auto V comes in second with around 170 million copies sold. Additional blockbuster titles include Wii Sports, which has moved about 83 million units, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), with approximately 75 million sales. Even Overwatch has surpassed 50 million in sales.

As a gamer myself, let me tell you that New Horizons isn’t lagging behind the heavyweights! This game has sold an impressive 46 million copies, both physically and digitally. That makes it the second-highest selling game on the Nintendo Switch, with only Mario Kart 8 Deluxe outperforming it.

Although it may not hold the top spots in global sales charts, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” remains an extraordinary phenomenon. It seamlessly combines contemporary popularity with a delightful dose of nostalgia, demonstrating that classic, physically-released games continue to resonate with players.

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2024-12-27 16:14