How Many Copies Has Tears of the Kingdom Sold to Date?

As of Nintendo’s latest financial report released on May 7, 2024, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has sold 20.61 million copies worldwide. This impressive number cements its place as one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch, and a significant success for Nintendo.

Analyzing Tears of the Kingdom’s Sales Performance

The sales figures for Tears of the Kingdom are nothing short of remarkable. Released on May 12, 2023, the game quickly surpassed expectations and shattered records. Its initial sales performance significantly outpaced its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, which remains one of the best-selling games of all time.

Factors Contributing to Success

Several factors contributed to Tears of the Kingdom’s stellar sales:

• Brand Recognition: The Legend of Zelda franchise is one of the most recognizable and beloved in gaming history, with a dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipating each new installment.
• Positive Reviews: The game received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics, expansive open world, and compelling story. High review scores significantly impacted consumer confidence and encouraged purchases.
• Word-of-Mouth: Positive experiences shared by players through social media and online forums created a powerful word-of-mouth marketing effect, further driving sales.
• Nintendo Switch Popularity: The Nintendo Switch’s continued success as a hybrid console with a wide appeal provided a large installed base for Tears of the Kingdom.
• Marketing Campaign: Nintendo’s extensive marketing campaign generated significant hype and awareness leading up to the game’s release.

Comparison with Breath of the Wild

While Tears of the Kingdom’s initial sales were incredibly strong, it’s important to compare it with its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. As of Nintendo’s report, Breath of the Wild has sold over 32.32 million copies. While Tears of the Kingdom is catching up quickly, Breath of the Wild’s status as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch and its lasting appeal have contributed to its higher overall sales.

Future Sales Projections

Looking ahead, Tears of the Kingdom is expected to continue selling well. It is still one of the most popular games on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo will likely continue to promote the game through bundles and marketing campaigns, driving future sales.

Tears of the Kingdom FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tears of the Kingdom and its sales:

1. Is Tears of the Kingdom the best-selling Zelda game of all time?

   No, the best-selling Zelda game is the original The Legend of Zelda on the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is estimated to have sold over 6.5 million copies. However, Tears of the Kingdom is on track to becoming one of the top-selling games in the franchise.

2. Did Tears of the Kingdom outsell Breath of the Wild in its first year?

   Yes, Tears of the Kingdom outperformed Breath of the Wild in its first year of sales. It is a game that has caught the attention of fans and new players alike.

3. What console is Tears of the Kingdom available on?

   Tears of the Kingdom is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch.

4. Are there any plans for Tears of the Kingdom to be released on other platforms?

   Currently, there are no announced plans to release Tears of the Kingdom on any platforms other than the Nintendo Switch.

5. What is the ESRB rating for Tears of the Kingdom?

   Tears of the Kingdom is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB, meaning it is generally suitable for players aged 10 and older.

6. Does Tears of the Kingdom require online play?

   No, Tears of the Kingdom is primarily a single-player game and does not require online play.

7. Are there any downloadable content (DLC) packs planned for Tears of the Kingdom?

   As of right now, there has been no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom announced, and no plans to bring any new DLC packs.

8. How does Tears of the Kingdom compare to other Nintendo Switch bestsellers?

   The Nintendo Switch has several top-selling games. Games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have sold over 40 million units. Tears of the Kingdom is on its way to reach this list of top games.

9. What makes Tears of the Kingdom so popular?

   Its popularity stems from its expansive open world, innovative gameplay mechanics, compelling story, and strong connection to the beloved Legend of Zelda franchise.

10. How long does it take to beat Tears of the Kingdom?

    The main story of Tears of the Kingdom can take around 50-60 hours to complete, but exploring the world and completing side quests can easily extend playtime to over 100 hours.

11. Does Tears of the Kingdom have a new game plus mode?

    No, Tears of the Kingdom does not feature a New Game Plus mode upon the completion of the game.

12. Will there be a sequel to Tears of the Kingdom?

    Nintendo has not officially announced plans for a direct sequel to Tears of the Kingdom. However, given the success of the game, future Legend of Zelda titles are likely.

13. What is the file size of Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch?

    Tears of the Kingdom requires approximately 16.2 GB of storage space on the Nintendo Switch.

14. Does Tears of the Kingdom have any multiplayer features?

    No, Tears of the Kingdom is primarily a single-player experience and does not offer any multiplayer features.

15. How much did it cost to develop Tears of the Kingdom?

    The exact development cost of Tears of the Kingdom has not been publicly disclosed by Nintendo, but it is widely speculated to be a substantial investment due to the game’s scale and complexity.