How Many Sales Does Tears of the Kingdom Have?

As of November 2023, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has officially sold over 19.50 million units worldwide. This figure, released by Nintendo as part of their financial results, solidifies its position as one of the fastest-selling and most successful games in the franchise and on the Nintendo Switch platform. This number is continually growing, and we expect to see further increases as the holiday season progresses and the game continues to attract new players.

A Phenomenal Launch and Sustained Success

The success of Tears of the Kingdom isn’t just about raw numbers. It’s about the speed and consistency with which it achieved them. Its launch was nothing short of phenomenal, selling over 10 million copies within its first three days of release. This made it the fastest-selling game in the entire Legend of Zelda series and one of the fastest-selling games on the Nintendo Switch, surpassing even some of Nintendo’s biggest hits.

Beyond the initial hype, Tears of the Kingdom has demonstrated remarkable staying power. Its continued strong sales figures prove that it’s not just a flash in the pan, but a game with deep appeal and lasting value. The game’s innovative mechanics, expansive world, and compelling storyline have kept players engaged for countless hours, driving both initial purchases and continued word-of-mouth recommendations.

Factors Contributing to Sales Success

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

• The Legacy of Breath of the Wild: Building upon the foundation of its critically acclaimed predecessor, Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom benefited from the established fanbase and positive reputation of the previous game. Players were eager to return to Hyrule and explore the new possibilities offered in the sequel.
• Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: The introduction of new abilities like Fuse, Ultrahand, and Recall provided players with unprecedented freedom and creativity. These mechanics allowed for emergent gameplay and endless possibilities, contributing to the game’s replayability and appeal.
• Positive Critical Reception: The game received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and players alike, further fueling its sales momentum. High review scores and positive word-of-mouth recommendations played a crucial role in attracting new players and convincing existing fans to purchase the game.
• Nintendo’s Marketing Power: Nintendo’s extensive marketing campaigns, including trailers, gameplay showcases, and collaborations, effectively generated hype and awareness for Tears of the Kingdom. The company’s ability to create a sense of excitement and anticipation was instrumental in driving sales.
• The Nintendo Switch Ecosystem: The Nintendo Switch’s widespread popularity and unique hybrid nature also contributed to the game’s success. The console’s portability allowed players to enjoy Tears of the Kingdom on the go, further enhancing its accessibility and appeal.

How Does It Compare to Other Zelda Games?

While Tears of the Kingdom is a runaway success, it’s useful to see how its sales compare to other entries in the Legend of Zelda franchise. Breath of the Wild currently holds the title of the best-selling Zelda game of all time, with over 30 million units sold. While Tears of the Kingdom still has some ground to cover to surpass that record, its current trajectory suggests that it has the potential to become a serious contender.

Other top-selling Zelda games include Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and A Link to the Past, each of which has sold millions of copies worldwide. Tears of the Kingdom’s sales already place it among these giants, and its continued success suggests that it will likely continue to climb the ranks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tears of the Kingdom Sales

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Tears of the Kingdom’s sales and related information:

1. When was Tears of the Kingdom released? The game was released on May 12, 2023.
2. Is Tears of the Kingdom a Nintendo Switch exclusive? Yes, Tears of the Kingdom is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch.
3. What is the difference between Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild? While Tears of the Kingdom builds upon the world and mechanics of Breath of the Wild, it introduces new abilities, a larger explorable area including sky islands, and a more intricate storyline.
4. What new gameplay mechanics does Tears of the Kingdom introduce? Key mechanics include Ultrahand (allowing players to create structures and vehicles), Fuse (combining weapons and items for enhanced effects), Recall (reversing the motion of objects), and Ascend (allowing Link to travel through ceilings).
5. Has Nintendo released any DLC for Tears of the Kingdom? Currently, there is no announced DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. However, future content releases are always a possibility.
6. How does Tears of the Kingdom perform compared to other Nintendo Switch games? Tears of the Kingdom is one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch, ranking highly alongside titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
7. Will Tears of the Kingdom be released on other platforms in the future? As a Nintendo-published title, it is highly unlikely that Tears of the Kingdom will be released on other platforms like PlayStation or Xbox.
8. What contributed to the high sales of Tears of the Kingdom? Factors include the popularity of Breath of the Wild, innovative gameplay mechanics, positive reviews, Nintendo’s marketing, and the Nintendo Switch’s success.
9. What is the ESRB rating for Tears of the Kingdom? Tears of the Kingdom is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older by the ESRB.
10. What is the file size of Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch? The game’s file size is approximately 16.2 GB.
11. How long does it typically take to complete Tears of the Kingdom? Completion time varies greatly depending on play style, but a typical playthrough of the main story can take around 50-60 hours. Completionists can expect to spend significantly more time exploring and completing side quests.
12. Are there any limited edition versions of Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, Nintendo released a Collector’s Edition of Tears of the Kingdom, including a physical copy of the game, an artbook, a steelbook case, an ICONART steel poster, and a set of four pins.
13. How frequently does Nintendo update sales figures for Tears of the Kingdom? Nintendo typically updates sales figures as part of their quarterly financial reports.
14. Where can I buy Tears of the Kingdom? Tears of the Kingdom is available for purchase both physically and digitally through major retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and the Nintendo eShop.
15. What is the recommended retail price for Tears of the Kingdom? The standard edition of Tears of the Kingdom is typically priced at $69.99 USD.

In conclusion, Tears of the Kingdom’s impressive sales figures reflect its quality, innovation, and the enduring appeal of the Legend of Zelda franchise. Its success highlights the Nintendo Switch’s strength as a platform and solidifies Tears of the Kingdom as a landmark title in gaming history. The game is on track to becoming one of the best-selling games of all time.