Nintendo Switch 2 sees 940,000 sales in Japan in its first week
Per Famitsu data, the Nintendo Switch 2 sold 947,931 units in its first week in Japan, with launch title Mario Kart World selling 782,566 physical units in the same period (June 2 to 8). This is nearly triple both the Switch's launch week sales of 333,000 units in the country, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 284,000 sales in its first week as well.
Why this matters: The Switch 2 launch has been a huge success for Nintendo. We note that the 948k figure does not include sales via the My Nintendo Store, which could take total sell through above 1.1 million in Japan. Nintendo views Japan as its most important market, reflected in the sale of a Japanese language only version for 49,980 Yen ($350), which is significantly cheaper than the $450+ price in most markets.
Link to original article (Japanese) →
Stellar Blade becomes PlayStation's biggest PC launch ever at over 190,000 concurrent Steam players
Action-adventure game Stellar Blade, developed by Korean company Shift Up and published by Sony, released on PC on June 11. The game has since seen over 190,000 concurrent players on Steam, making it the biggest launch for a PlayStation single-player game seen on the platform. Shift Up also confirmed that the game has now sold over 3 million units, up from 2 million prior to the launch on PC when it was only available for PS5.
Why this matters: The PC version has sold exceptionally well in China, with 42% of all reviews written in Chinese, with 93% of them being positive. Shift Up and Sony prepared a Chinese dub for the PC version, that was not previously available on console, and priced the game at RMB 268 ($37) compared to the standard $60 price in most markets. It ranked as the #2 bestselling game by revenue on Steam in China for the week ending June 10, which accounted for pre-sales.
AMD partners with Ho Chi Minh City to build local AI, electronics, semiconductor talent hub
AMD and the Ho Chi Minh City government signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 12 to develop a high-tech ecosystem and AI talent pipeline. It formalizes plans to convert the Electronics and Semiconductor Center (ESC) at Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) into ESC International, an internationally accredited AI, electronics, and semiconductor design training hub.
Why this matters: By embedding advanced hardware and AI curricula locally, the industry can accelerate the integration of generative AI into game development, from asset creation to optimization on mobile and PC platforms. Strengthening domestic AI and chip design expertise supports future game-focused innovations and enhances Vietnam’s appeal as a regional hub for tech-driven creative industries.
Link to original article (Vietnamese) →
gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show opens booth registration
Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2025, set for October 16–19 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok has opened the booth registration for participants. With over 30,000 sq.m. of expanded space, a 40% increase from previous years, the event is expected to draw over 200,000 attendees and will be divided into a Business Zone (B2B) from October 16–17 and a Game Exhibition Zone (B2C) from October 17–19.
Why this matters: Gamescom Asia's move from Singapore to Thailand reinforces the country's growing role as a major gaming hub in Asia. Niko Partners estimates put Thailand as the largest games market by revenue in Southeast Asia, driven by high population with higher-than-Southeast Asia-average incomes. We have been the sole and official Knowledge Partner of gamescom asia for the past 3 years.
Link to original article (Thai) →
The Asia & MENA video game markets generated $86.6 billion in 2024 and on their way to earn $100 billion in the next 5 years. These two regions are set to surpass the growth of global video games software and services. Read the key takeaways and download the key takeaways of each five regions: China, East Asia (Japan, Korea), India, SEA (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), MENA (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and MENA).
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Becomes First Chinese Car Featured in Gran Turismo Series
Sony Interactive Entertainment and Xiaomi have announced that the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra will be added to Gran Turismo 7, marking the first time in the franchise's 28-year history that a Chinese car is featured in the game. The SU7 Ultra is the high-performance variant of Xiaomi's debut electric sedan, which is currently only sold in China. This move reflects both the growing prominence of Chinese EV manufacturers in global automotive innovation and their increasing integration into video games and racing simulation.
Why this matters: Racing is the #6 most popular video game genre in China across all platforms. The addition of Chinese cars to Gran Turismo mirrors earlier moves from Microsoft’s Forza Horizon series which began integrating Chinese automotive brands such as Xpeng, NIO, Wuling Hongguang, and MG into the game from 2022 onwards. Gran Turismo 7’s success is somewhat limited in China due to its console exclusivity, while Microsoft’s embrace of PC led to Forza Horizon 5 experiencing the strongest launch for the series in China.
China State Council to allow listing of Hong Kong firms on Shenzhen stock exchange
On June 12, China's State Council Information Office held a press conference to outline the newly released "Opinions on Deepening Reform, Innovation, and Opening-up in the Shenzhen Comprehensive Reform Pilot Zone." One of the policies would enable companies already listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) and headquartered in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to pursue additional listings on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE), subject to regulatory approval.
Why this matters: This development presents a major opportunity for prominent Hong Kong-listed video game firms based in the GBA, including Tencent, NetEase, CMGE, iDreamSky, Ourpalm, and Zen-Game, to tap into mainland capital markets without delisting from HKEX. For the video game and technology sector, this means enhanced access to domestic capital, improved valuation potential, and broader investor bases, especially beneficial amid increasing R&D costs and expanding global ambitions. It also reflects a more flexible regulatory environment for dual listings. Niko Partners offers “basic” and “advanced” research packages for institutional investors – please contact research@nikopartners.com for more information.
Tencent had acquired a 15.75% stake in Arrowhead Game Studios last year
Tencent has quietly acquired a 15.75% minority stake in Sweden-based Arrowhead Game Studios for approximately $80 million, according to public disclosures this month. The deal was originally done in July 2024 and valued the Helldivers 2 developer at around $530 million. Tencent will not assume board control or operational oversight, consistent with its established strategy of passive, long-term investments in high-performing studios.
Why this matters: Arrowhead's Helldivers 2 has been one of the standout premium PC and console live-service games in recent years. The title launched in early 2024 to critical acclaim and sustained user engagement, with its success driving a significant expansion at the studio. The recent in-game defense of "Super Shanghai" also went semi-viral recently across Bilibili, Douyin, and other platforms. The Arrowhead stake reinforces Tencent's long-term strategy of acquiring non-controlling interests in high-growth studios, particularly those with successful live-service titles in global markets.
Moonton's Magic Chess: Go Go Surpasses 30M Downloads
Moonton Games new multiplayer strategy title Magic Chess: Go Go (MCGG) has crossed 30 million global downloads following its May 28, 2025 worldwide launch. Developed by the original team behind Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), the game reimagines the MLBB universe into an auto-battler format, with eight players competing in tactical PvP rounds to emerge as the last player standing. According to Sensor Tower data, the title has found early commercial success in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia emerging as the top three markets for both downloads and revenue.
Why this matters: The markets in Southeast Asia are a core stronghold for MLBB, highlighting Moonton's continued regional dominance. Prior to launch, MCGG attracted over 20 million pre-registrations, signaling strong initial interest, particularly from Moonton's established fanbase. However, despite its robust download figures, MCGG's revenue performance has significantly lagged behind MLBB. Future growth will likely depend on Moonton's ability to deepen monetization strategies within MCGG while broadening its appeal outside its core SEA markets.
Valorant Mobile surpasses 20 million pre-registrations in China ahead of test
Tencent Games has confirmed that Valorant Mobile has surpassed 20 million pre-registrations in China ahead of a closed beta that started on June 12. Up to 1.5 million players are expected to be granted access during the testing period. The test comes shortly after an offline demo event was held in Shanghai alongside a pre-release esports event. Valorant Mobile is an adaptation of the PC game that originally launched outside China in 2020 and in China on July 12, 2023.
Why this matters: Valorant has been a hit hero shooter for PC in China since its launch, recently surpassing 2 million peak concurrent players. The mobile version is developed by Riot Games and Tencent's Lightspeed Studio, also known for PUBG Mobile. An esports rollout is also set to take place for the title, with Tencent and Riot Games partnering with smartphone manufacturer OnePlus to run an esports tournament for Valorant Mobile later this year. Niko Partners expects Valorant to be a top grossing IP in China across both platforms this year.