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.

Great news!!! Sadly it doesnt appear to be having the same affect in Europe but hopefully it will here in the States

And as we can see it probably will be back to pre-Pikmin 3 performance next week :/

^ maybe, buy look at all the games still coming this year.

Yes but a 4 week boost is impressive for such a niche series. One game can only boost sales for so long.

True. Here's hoping Wind Waker HD will be a game that actually permanently raises the baseline. Since it will really mark the beginning of "1 1st party per month" we *might* actually see a raise in sales of ~400% - 500% without even factoring in christmas sales by December.

No doubt W101 will help ever so slightly, until WWHD knocks it out the park, ready for the other titles.

anthony actually posted a thread whose OP isn't ripped from another site? o_O

I think Wonderful 101 can give a nice boost for 1-2 weeks, maybe Iin the 12-15k range. But ya Wind Waker/Party U/Fit U/DKC/3D World should greatly increase the base line for Q1 2014.