Super Mario Party Jamboree Hits 1 Million Sales in Japan: A New Year’s Celebration for Nintendo
January 13, 2025The iconic Super Mario Party franchise has once again proven its staying power, with Super Mario Party Jamboree surpassing the coveted 1 million sales mark in Japan. The game has quickly become a standout hit on the Nintendo Switch, dominating the Japanese charts during the holiday season.
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Chart-Topping Performance
Over the two weeks spanning December 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Super Mario Party Jamboree consistently ranked at the top of Japan’s sales charts. Here’s how the numbers break down:
Sales Highlights:
Week 1 (Dec 23–29, 2024): 119,176 units sold, bringing its total to 954,261.
Position | Game | Platform | Unit Sales (23rd – 29th Dec) | Total Unit Sales |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Super Mario Party Jamboree | Switch | 119,176 | 954,261 |
2 | Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake | Switch | 35,834 | 930,505 |
3 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Switch | 21,439 | 6,167,617 |
4 | Minecraft | Switch | 17,915 | 3,762,586 |
5 | Mario & Luigi: Brothership | Switch | 16,680 | 165,060 |
6 | The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom | Switch | 16,290 | 372,903 |
7 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Switch | 15,526 | 5,684,019 |
8 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Switch | 14,092 | 8,022,435 |
9 | Pokémon Scarlet / Pokémon Violet | Switch | 13,206 | 5,491,026 |
10 | Nintendo Switch Sports | Switch | 11,383 | 1,514,786 |
Week 2 (Dec 30–Jan 5, 2025): Another 117,307 units pushed it past the 1-million-unit milestone, with a total of 1,071,568 units sold.
This impressive performance cements Super Mario Party Jamboree as one of the Switch’s must-have titles, riding high alongside long-standing chart leaders like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The Perfect Party Game Formula
What makes Super Mario Party Jamboree a runaway success? Let’s explore the key ingredients that have contributed to its phenomenal sales:
1. Universal Appeal
The Mario Party franchise has always been synonymous with fun and inclusivity, making it a go-to choice for families, casual gamers, and long-time Nintendo fans. The latest instalment, Jamboree, builds on this legacy with innovative mini-games, colourful graphics, and easy-to-learn mechanics.
2. Holiday Timing
Released during the bustling holiday season, Jamboree capitalized on the demand for family-friendly games that bring people together. Its sales spike coincided perfectly with festive gatherings and the tradition of gift-giving in Japan.
3. Fresh Content and Nostalgia
Super Mario Party Jamboree introduces new gameboards, mini-games, and features that appeal to both newcomers and nostalgic fans. By striking a balance between innovation and familiarity, Nintendo created a game that feels fresh yet comforting.
4. The Nintendo Ecosystem
As a Nintendo Switch exclusive, Jamboree benefits from the platform’s massive install base. The Switch continues to dominate Japan’s gaming market, with popular titles like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ensuring players remain engaged with the console.
How It Compares: The Japanese Chart Leaders
While Super Mario Party Jamboree is the star of the moment, other Nintendo titles have maintained strong positions in the Japanese charts. Here’s a closer look at how they stack up:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Total Sales: 6,197,554 units
- Despite being released in 2017, this kart racer remains a powerhouse, consistently ranking in the top three.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Total Sales: 8,038,212 units
- The life-simulation game continues to charm players with its relaxing gameplay and seasonal updates.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
- Total Sales: 962,907 units
- Square Enix’s remake of the beloved classic holds its ground as a fan favourite, combining nostalgia with modern visuals.
What’s Next for Nintendo?
The success of Super Mario Party Jamboree is a testament to Nintendo’s ability to create evergreen franchises. As the Nintendo Switch approaches its twilight years, titles like Jamboree are keeping the platform relevant while building excitement for the rumoured Switch 2.
Other Titles to Watch:
- Mario & Luigi: Brothership – A new RPG that has already sold 179,915 units.
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Adding to the Zelda franchise’s legendary status with 385,393 units sold.
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet – Continues to be a fan favourite, crossing 5.5 million units.