Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons has reached an incredible milestone, officially becoming the best-selling physical game in Japanese history. With over 8 million physical copies sold, the 2020 social simulation game has surpassed the legendary Pokémon Red/Green, which previously held the record with 7.93 million units sold.
The record-breaking sales of Animal Crossing: New Horizons have dethroned Pokémon Red/Green, the original RPGs released in 1996 for the Game Boy by Game Freak. These iconic titles helped launch the Pokémon franchise into a global phenomenon and held the top spot in Japanese sales charts for decades. Despite their enduring popularity, New Horizons’ release during the COVID-19 pandemic and its family-friendly gameplay helped it surpass even the most nostalgic favorites.
Nintendo hasn’t announced a successor to Animal Crossing: New Horizons yet, but with a new Nintendo Switch console on the horizon, it’s possible they have plans to capitalize on the game’s popularity. Like Super Mario Odyssey, they might launch a new game along with the Switch 2, which is rumored to be announced in early 2025 and should launch soon after.
While Pokémon Red and Green were huge hits in Japan, their sales have finally been surpassed by Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This achievement is notable because it counts only physical game sales, which are becoming less common as digital sales rise.
