In the four weeks Pikmin 3 has been out in Japan, Wii U sales have risen 117% from the previous four weeks. Get the full statistical break-down below.
Since Pikmin 3 has only been out for a little over four weeks, we’ll use the previous four weeks before Pikmin 3 launched, against the four weeks after Pikmin 3 launched.
Four Weeks Before Pikmin 3 (Wii U systems sold a week – Japan)
Week 1: 5983
Week 2: 5329
Week 3: 7060
Week 4: 8251
Four Weeks After Pikmin 3 (Wii U systems sold a week – Japan)
Week 1: 22,199
Week 2: 14,280
Week 3: 11,373
Week 4: 10,038
As you can see, Pikmin 3 has had a nice effect on Wii U sales in Japan. While not the biggest jump, it’s significant nonetheless. And most importantly, proves that software sells hardware.
In the four weeks prior to Pikmin 3 being released, the Wii U sold a total of 26,623 combined units in Japan. In the four weeks after Pikmin 3 was launched, the Wii U has sold 57,890 units, resulting in a 117% increase over the previous four weeks before Pikmin 3 launched.
Conclusion – Pikmin 3 “HELPS” sell Wii U consoles, therefore is a “system seller” for many people.
Overall, quality content can have a nice effect on sales. With more software like Yakuza 1&2 HD, Rayman Legends, and The Wonderful 101 within the next 30 days, the Wii U sales are well on their way to recovery in Japan. Pikmin is by no means Nintendo’s top franchise either. Sonic Lost World, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, Wii Fit U, Wii Party U, The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker HD, and Super Mario 3D World are all slated to come to the Wii U this year. Bayonetta 2, Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem, Super Smash Bros for Wii U, and Mario Kart 8 are dropping in 2014. If Pikmin, a second tier franchise can boost sales like this, imagine how the franchises I listed above will do for Wii U sales.
'Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about rock-n-roll.'
-Shigeru Miyamoto
