Nintendo have announced that Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold 11.77 million units in its first 11 days on sale, and 13.4 million in its first six weeks.

The game sold 1.8 million physical units in its first three days on sale in Japan (making it the best opening week for a Nintendo Switch game), and analysts later claimed the game sold 5 million digital copies over March 2020 (more than any other console game in history).

Now, Nintendo have released their Consolidated Financial Statements Ending March 31st 2020, and updated their Investor Relations Top Selling Title Sale Units. In total Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold 11.77 million units between March 20th and March 31st, “which is now the best start ever for a Nintendo Switch title” Nintendo states.

In addition; the Financial Results Explanatory Material (on page 13) says the game sold 13.4 million units in the first six weeks. The prior game in the series, Animal Crossing: New Leaf on Nintendo 3D (launched 2012 in Japan and a year later worldwide), sold 12.55 million across its entire lifetime (according to GamesIndustry.biz).

The success of the Nintendo Switch also likely aided in the game’s success. It launched in 2017, and by January 2018 had become Nintendo’s fastest selling console in US history.

At the end of January 2020, we reported that the Nintendo Switch had sold over 52.48 million units worldwide. Sources claim that Nintendo are seeking to increase production by 10%, to work around limitations brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, and end shortages.

Likewise, the coronavirus pandemic has been attributed to Animal Crossing: New Horizons‘ success. Reasons vary from its cute and relaxing tone, to providing a sense of routine and stability at a difficult time.

You can expect our coverage of other news from the recent Nintendo financial reports soon.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is out now on Nintendo Switch. In case you missed it, you can find our review here (we recommend it!)

Image: Nintendo