If you own Nintendo‘s popular Switch console, you likely enjoy returning to its evergreen classics as much as trying flashy new hits. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sell consistently well years after launch, a testament to excellent design and longevity. Let‘s analyze the latest list of top selling Switch titles year-to-date through November 2022 to see which releases new and old ranked highest.
Year-to-date sales track cumulative game unit sales from January 1st through the latest measured date, in this case November 26th. Examining yearly best sellers gives a more complete picture of enduring popularity beyond fleeting launch window hype. For context, the Switch‘s installed base just crossed 114 million units sold since 2017 per Nintendo‘s reporting.
Year‘s New Hits: Pokémon and Sonic Take Top Spots
Claiming the #1 and #2 best selling spots are November‘s brand new heavy hitters Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and Sonic Frontiers. As the first mainline Pokémon RPGs on Switch since 2019‘s Sword and Shield, anticipation ran high for Game Freak‘s 9th generation paired editions. Released November 18, both Scarlet and Violet quickly accrued over 10 million global sales in their launch weekend per Nintendo, the highest ever for Pokémon games.
Set in the new Paldea region, the titles introduce over 100 new Pokémon alongside an open world structure. This marks a formula shift from past linear journeys while retaining familiar collecting and battling pillars. Longtime Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara cited strong pre-order enthusiasm for the games exceeding expectations. Their instant chart-topping success demonstrates the enduring multi-generational appeal of Pokémon.
Sonic Frontiers similarly debuted in November, leveraging holiday momentum. Sega returned the beloved hedgehog to 3D open zone platforming, combining puzzle-solving and combat. Reviews praised the spectacular scenery but criticized technical issues marring the experience. Still, Sonic Frontiers should surpass 1 million sales by 2022‘s end according to estimates.
Top 5 Selling Sonic Games on Nintendo Consoles (Millions)
Sonic Colors (Wii): 5.85m
Sonic Generations (3DS): 1.6m
Sonic Mania (Switch): 1.18m
Sonic Forces (Switch): 1.04m
Sonic Lost World (Wii U): 0.7mAbove sales per VGChartz
Longtime Sonic fans likely welcomed another core title after a lengthy gap between entries. Frontiers showcases the sustained audience for Sonic games when quality efforts release. Nintendo platforms benefit from featured third-party content, and the Switch fanbase clearly turned out for Sonic‘s grand adventure.
Do you have fond memories of past Sonic games on Nintendo consoles? Many critics believe Sonic Mania and Sonic Colors represent series high points.
Mario Party, Animal Crossing Demonstrate Staying Power
Nintendo‘s evergreen brands stay winning as well. Mario Party Superstars charts at #3 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons at #4 for the year, despite launching October 2021 and March 2020 respectively.
Superstars compilation release compiled classic boards and 100 minigames from previous Mario Party entries into one fan-pleasing package at a budget $59.99. While some criticized its recycling, fans continue enjoying Superstars‘ pick-up-and-play multiplayer antics online or locally a year later. Integrated support for button controls removed motion barriers too. Any Mario Party selling over 5 million copies and staying visible this long speaks to replayable foundations. As Nintendo‘s resident party game, it can entertain groups year after year
Meanwhile, 2020 cultural sensation Animal Crossing: New Horizons approaches nearly 40 million lifetime sales. Its relaxing life simulation gameplay captivated audiences during lockdowns as a creative social outlet. Robust post-launch updates continuously introduce new items, events, and quality-of-life tweaks ensuring gamers nurture island paradise communities long-term.
For many fans globally, visiting one‘s village for daily routine upkeep persists as part of leisure habits two years later. My partner Jessica admits gathering fruit in Animal Crossing remains her "Zen happy place" when stressed. Both evergreen titles showcase innate replay value beyond novelty moments. Their 2022 popularity owes directly to durable fun and engaging design.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Keeps Cruising
If any single game demonstrates Nintendo‘s software longevity sales power, however, it’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Initially released on Wii U in 2014, many gamers missed out on its acclaimed arcade racing action. Nintendo smartly ported a definitive edition with all DLC included to Switch at launch in 2017, instantly becoming a must-have multiplayer showcase.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Sales Milestones
First month: ~1m copies
Under 13 months: 10m copies
April 2021: 35m copies
January 2022: 43m copiesNearly six years later by 2022, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe persists as the second best-selling Switch title ever behind Mario Kart Wii at 37 million. Periodic Booster Course Pass waves continually add 48 remastered tracks through the end of 2023, refreshing content. During October 2022, the pass contributed to MK8D sales rises of over 640% in the US alone!
Simple, pure driving action at its finest, MK8 Deluxe succeeds as a showcase for the Switch‘s mobility and local wireless multiplayer strengths to this day. Approachable gameplay mechanics cater to all audiences with tactical item usage adding just enough randomness to benefit newbies. Holiday deals only sweeten its value proposition further.
The title deserves commendation for remarkably persistent player passion after nearly a full console generation. Mario Kart‘s instant familiarity introduces Nintendo magic to waves of casual newcomers daily. Just try resisting Rainbow Road‘s allure after a few rounds. Series mascot Bowser himself revealed to journalists how much his kids love battling dad in MK8D regularly. Some games prove timeless, always worth revisiting.
Surprises and Disappointments: Mario + Rabbids, Nintendo Switch Sports
Of course, not every high profile franchise achievement sailed smoothly in the sales department this year. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Ubisoft’s latest tactical colorful crossover, landed at #6 — a lower result than expected following 2017’s acclaimed Kingdom Battle.
The sequel enhanced combat complexity while retaining intrinsic charm. Our hands-on preview analysis applauded the weapon variety, team synergy mechanics, and difficulty innovations, suggesting an engaging experience perfect for Switch. Yet despite 83% positive reviews praising its smart progression, Sparks of Hope seemingly lacked an element of surprise during a packed 2022 lineup.
Ubisoft recently reported missing financial targets, citing Sparks of Hope as underperforming expectations. Still, life-to-date numbers may tell a different story. Designer Davide Soliani tweeted gratitude upon hearing his creation brought joy to over 2 million players already. Sentiment seems split between critics, executives, and actual fans. At least satisfies those who experience it!
Comparatively, Nintendo Switch Sports shifting over 5 million physical units by November qualifies as a surprise smash straddling generations (source). Heralded as the successor to cultural phenomenon Wii Sports, Nintendo EPD‘s sports compilation pursued a casual audience with motion-based volleyball, bowling, soccer and tennis translated to Joy-Cons. Supporting golf and badminton came via updates.
Mediocre reviews cited limited modes and finicky controls while conceding accessible family fun. However, as the ultimate living room party option supporting eight players locally and online, its mini-game package resonated anyway as rhythmic, social entertainment. Approachable motion gaming commands a sustained audience only Nintendo dominates presently. Switch Sports demonstrates the company‘s mass appeal still overpowering tepid reviews.
Enduring Excellence: Zelda, Smash Bros, Splatoon Stay Strong
Rounding out 2022‘s top evergreen performers are franchises cementing esteemed clout years later. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild amazingly released alongside Switch in March 2017 yet still charts at #7! For many critics, Link‘s open-air Hyrule odyssey constituted 2017‘s Game of the Year. Years later, few games match Breath of the Wild‘s exploratory freedom continuously attracting new fans daily.
Diving into Hyrule‘s mysteries, mastering physics-based problem solving, feels magical upon first playthroughs even now. Upcoming 2023 sequel Tears of the Kingdom anticipation keeps momentum pumping too. Mentioned in over 50 "game of decade" lists, Breath of the Wild‘s greatness persists relatively untarnished by time (source).
Super Smash Bros Ultimate likewise lands at #8 through enduring multiplayer fighting excellence with over 30 million lifetime sales. Its non-stop crossover mascot spectacle serves up endless replay via 82+ iconic playable characters covered by mechanical balance. Casual audiences enjoy button smashing joy. As possibly Nintendo’s highest production-value title ever, each Smash session delivers silky fan service celebration with polish.
Splatoon 3 then splatted #9 by amassing over 10 million sales since September, no doubt boosted by spooky Splatoween seasonal twists (source). Nintendo’s innovative ink-based team-based shooter franchise preserves a bright future given esteemed mechanical refinements iteration-over-iteration. Serving both single-player campaign and addicting online Turf War modes, Splatoon games pride excellent content support. Splatoon 3‘s launch traction proves this unique shooter IP continues spreading its influence.
Key Takeaways On Switch Longevity
While flashy new games dominate monthly sales charts temporarily, Nintendo‘s 2022 "year-to-date" best sellers reveal a different enduring popularity story: Iterative software greatness. Legacy evergreen titles comfortably coexist beside holiday hits thanks to inherent accessibility, beloved characters, local wireless multiplayer support, and recurring updates. Fan affection runs deep.
The rankings certainly don‘t incorporate complete context, lacking vital digital sales data. Considering the rise of digital purchases, actual ownership totals likely differ somewhat from physical-only chart positions. Providing transparency on digital figures could shuffle orderings. However, the strong physical software sales still paint a compelling picture on key titles retaining millions of players for years thanks to goodwill and sustained delight.
Looking ahead, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing software support for the beloved Switch. Analysts predict the console will attract audiences for years more until either a mid-generation hardware refresh (akin to Switch OLED) or fully next-gen successor. Gamers seem to value replayable experiences over playing the latest hotness then quickly moving on. For Nintendo‘s key franchises, the fun endures across console generations as nostalgia mixes with innovation. That magical cocktail continues driving Smash tournaments, Mario Kart night traditions, and revisiting Zelda adventures for years to come.
