In Japan, Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2 has achieved record-breaking physical sales, surpassing the initial three-day performance of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Switch 1.

Record-Breaking Launch Numbers

According to Famitsu, Mario Kart World sold an impressive 782,566 physical copies during its debut weekend (June 2-8), claiming the top spot in Japanese retail charts. These figures exclude digital sales from My Nintendo Store, suggesting actual numbers could be significantly higher.

By comparison, Switch 1's Breath of the Wild sold approximately 193,060 physical copies during its launch weekend in 2017, making Mario Kart World's retail debut roughly four times stronger.

Switch 2's Strong Hardware Performance

The explosive game sales align with Nintendo Switch 2's unprecedented hardware success:

• Fastest-selling Nintendo console ever (3.5M global units sold in 4 days)
• Outselling original Switch models at a 2:1 ratio

The Switch 2's stronger start contrasts with Switch 1's supply-limited launch (2.74M units sold globally in nearly a month).

Switch 2 Dominates Japanese Charts

Switch 2 titles flooded Japan's top-selling games:

• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (#6, 10,877 copies)
• Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (#7, 7,992 copies)
• Zelda: Breath of the Wild (#8, 7,529 copies)
• Yakuza 0 (#9, 7,486 copies)

Only Elden Ring: Nightreign (PS5) broke Switch 2's chart monopoly at #5.

Mario Kart World Review Screenshots

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While Mario Kart World's launch outperforms Breath of the Wild's initial sales, Zelda's ongoing popularity - especially with its Switch 2 HD rerelease - presents strong competition for long-term sales records.

Discover our complete Mario Kart World guide featuring:

• All unlockable hidden characters
• Complete Kamek Unlock system breakdown
• Master guide to collecting all in-game food
• Full outfit unlock strategies