Biggest series launch in Japan and UK
Nintendo’s latest smash release, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, is continuing to break records around the globe, such is the international love for the bemused blob. In new data reported by Famitsu, the 3D Switch release sold 380,000 physical copies in Japan since launch, already making it the biggest launch for a Kirby title within the territory.
In Japan, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is already 2022’s second-biggest selling video game to date. As noted on Twitter by Game Data Library, the new game’s sales numbers now surpass even those of FromSoftware’s blockbuster fantasy adventure Elden Ring. Only Nintendo’s own Pokemon Legends: Arceus stands in Kirby’s way, so the period piece release better watch its back — lest it gets gobbled up!
Kirby and the Forgotten Land had the ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? for the series in Japan, with a 70% increase over launch sales of Triple Deluxe.
It's the second biggest launch of 2022 in Japan so far, behind Pokémon Legends and above Elden Ring. pic.twitter.com/6Vlmp1tOq4
— Game Data Library (@GameDataLibrary) March 31, 2022
These latest accolades sit alongside the recent news that Forgotten Land is the UK’s biggest-launching Kirby title, with the pink puffball usurping Rockstar’s unwavering crime sim Grand Theft Auto V from the top of the charts. It’s a mighty feat not only given the single-format nature of Forgotten Land, but also the increasing push away from physical game sales on the Switch platform. It will be interesting to see if Kirby can hold on to the top spot of the UK charts for a second week running.
You can check out Chris Carter’s review of Kirby’s new adventure right here. You can also check out our guide to the game’s passwords and, if you’re feeling peckish, a delicious Kirby Cake Car recipe here!