You’d have to sell at least 20 million copies to even be on the radar of one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. But, for Nintendo, its best-selling games don’t just outsell their competition – they outsell entire franchises. Case in point, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
The latest earnings reports from the gaming giant have revealed that the combined sales of its open-world Zelda games have crossed the 50 million mark, thanks in no small part to the newest addition to the family, which has already sold nearly 20 million copies since its release in May.
This isn’t small feat, even for a tech giant like the world’s oldest video game company, especially considering that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – the game that redefined the action-adventure genre with its expansive and interactive open world – has reached 32.85 million units in sales.
The commercial triumph of Tears of the Kingdom is particularly impressive when you compare it with the series’ sales figures. The entire franchise has moved nearly 150 million copies in close to four decades, which means that the last two Zelda games make up a third of the figure. For even more perspective, other the numbers posted by iconic entries like Ocarina of Time, LInk’s Awakening, and Twilight Princess, combined fall way short of 50 million copies in sales. Tears of the Kingdom alone has outsold the combined figures of foundational titles such as the original title, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and Majora’s Mask.
Nintendo’s strategy are working exceedingly well, with its focus on the open-world format aligning with gaming trends. By drawing inspiration from the success of other sandbox games and the principle of emergent gameplay, Tears of the Kingdom, among other things, has encouraged players to concoct inventive solutions to in-game challenges, further fueling its popularity on social media platforms. The company’s commitment to innovation within its storied franchises is clear, and the financial rewards are unmistakable.
In their earnings report, Nintendo also highlighted other successes, like Pikmin 4, which sold 2.61 million units since its July release, and the ever-popular Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which boasts a lifetime sale of 57.01 million units. The latter of which is a figure that makes it easy to understand why SEGA remains in the rearview mirror.
The news comes amidst rumors of a next-generation console from Nintendo, purportedly comparable in power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Despite President Shuntaro Furukawa quelling such speculations as “inaccurate,” the talks continue, suggesting that the community’s appetite for Nintendo’s innovative approach remain unsatiated.
The success story of the Zelda series’s open-world iterations offers a glimpse into the future of Nintendo. While the re-releases and remasters of classic Zelda titles are always possible, it’s evident that the company’s priority lies in building upon the success of its recent open-world titles. This approach not only honors the franchise’s legacy but also sets a new standard for immersive gameplay that other developers and publishers will undoubtedly aspire to.
As Nintendo navigates the future of gaming, the landmark sales figures of the Zelda open-world titles stand as proof of the company’s enduring creativity and commercial acumen.
With the gaming industry becoming increasingly competitive, Nintendo’s ability to consistently deliver compelling and award-winning content cements its status as a leading force. As the Switch continues to age gracefully and speculation about its successor grows, it’s clear that Nintendo’s appetite for innovation remains stronger than ever.
Tears of the Kingdom is the frontrunner for the GOTY award at The Game Awards this year alongside Baldur’s Gate 3. But, neither are the best-selling games of the year – the honor belongs to Hogwarts Legacy.
