‘The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy’ Surges to the Top in Japan’s Famitsu Sales Charts
The latest Famitsu sales data from Japan (April 21st – May 4th, 2025) reveals a new champion: The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy. This strategy RPG/visual novel hybrid from Too Kyo Studio has defied expectations, securing the top spot and prompting discussions about the current state of the Japanese gaming market. But what does this mean for the industry?
New Releases Dominate the Charts
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy debuted with 26,732 units sold, surpassing even highly anticipated titles. While Super Mario Party Jamboree continues its strong run with 15,014 units sold this period (1,286,159 lifetime), The Hundred Line’s initial performance suggests a significant interest in fresh, innovative gameplay experiences. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for PS5 followed with 9,825 retail copies sold.
Other notable new entries include Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club: TOKIMEKI Roadmap (8,266 units) and Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics (6,672 units). This influx of new titles demonstrates a vibrant market eager for diverse gaming options.
Hardware Sales: Switch Still Reigning Supreme
The Switch family continues to dominate hardware sales, with a combined 56,058 units sold (Switch OLED: 35,678, Switch Lite: 14,406, Switch: 5,974). The PlayStation 5 family followed with 20,204 units sold (PS5: 12,261, PS5 Pro: 5,925, PS5 Digital Edition: 2,018), while the Xbox Series family lagged behind with 2,530 units.
A Shift in the Market?
The performance of The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy raises questions about changing consumer preferences. In a market often dominated by established franchises, the success of a new IP suggests a desire for originality and unique gameplay mechanics. Is this a sign of a shift away from familiar titles and towards more experimental experiences? Or is it a temporary blip caused by Japan's Golden Week holidays?
Despite The Hundred Line holding the best selling game title, the new numbers are relatively low. With rumors swirling around a possible release for the Switch 2, this trend may not come as a surprise.
What are your thoughts on these sales figures? Share your opinions in the comments below!
