Monster Hunter: World smashes Japan's sales charts

Monster Hunter: World conquers Japan's 2018 game sales with 2.85 million copies sold on PS4.

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Capcom's online-based Monster Hunter: World multiplayer game has exploded since launch, spiking company profits by sixfold and ushering in a new steady influx of cash for the publisher. The game, which has sold more than 11 million units worldwide, is a huge success in its native land and actually outpaced big hits like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Pokemon Let's Go in 2018's game sales.

Although Japan is typically ruled by mobile and handheld gaming, Monster Hunter: World is a big driver of the country's dedicated console sector. According to new figures from Famitsu, 2018's top five best-selling games in Japan include: Monster Hunter: World (2.85 million), Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2.66 million), Pokemon Let's GO Eevee and Pikachu (1.36 million), Splatoon 2 (1.19 million) and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (1 million). It's worth noting eight out of the ten top games are on Nintendo's new Switch handheld-console hybrid.

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Sony's PS4 actually beat Nintendo Switch sales in Japan by roughly 700,000 units, likely driven by Monster Hunter: World's success and Black Ops 4 (which is actually in the top 10). Despite being nearly 8 years old, the 3DS is still rules Japan's hardware sales charts with over 24 million handhelds sold in 2018.

Capcom is absolutely knocking it out of the park as of late, and we can't wait to see how well its new Monster Hunter: World Iceborne expansion does.