As 2024 comes to a close, Nintendo has unveiled its list of the top 30 most downloaded games on the Japanese eShop for the Nintendo Switch. While fan-favorite franchises like Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, and Monster Hunter dominate the list, the biggest surprise of the year is none other than Suika Game. This unassuming fruit-themed puzzle game claimed the top spot, beating out some of the biggest titles in gaming.
The Full List of Japan’s Top 30 Downloaded Switch Games (January 1 – December 20, 2024):
- Suika Game
- Exit 8
- Overcooked! 2
- DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake
- Monster Hunter Rise
- Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl Ultimate Edition
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Minecraft
- Overcooked! Special Edition
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- POWER PROS 2024-2025
- Splatoon 3
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Human: Fall Flat
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- Nintendo Switch Sports
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Among Us
- Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
- Unicorn Overlord
- Momotaro Dentetsu World: Chikyuu wa Kibou de Mawatteru!
- Dave the Diver
- [New Price Version] DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
- The Battle Cats Unite!
The Rise of Suika Game
At first glance, Suika Game (or “Watermelon Game”) might not seem like a contender for such a prestigious title, but its simple and addictive gameplay has captured the hearts of players across Japan. In this charming puzzle game, players combine colorful fruits to create larger objects, gradually working their way up to the ultimate goal: a watermelon.
The game’s easy-to-learn mechanics and irresistible charm, combined with its viral popularity on social media, have turned it into a cultural phenomenon. Fans have praised its ability to balance casual fun with strategic depth, making it a must-have for Switch owners in Japan.
Familiar Faces in the Rankings
Unsurprisingly, the list includes staples like Minecraft, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder also made strong showings, proving that Nintendo’s flagship franchises remain as beloved as ever.
Meanwhile, newer titles like DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake and Exit 8 have made impressive debuts, alongside surprises such as Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl Ultimate Edition.
What This Means for the Industry
The success of Suika Game highlights the power of indie titles to compete with big-budget blockbusters in today’s gaming landscape. With its straightforward concept and viral appeal, it shows how innovation and accessibility can drive massive success in an increasingly competitive market.
As we head into 2025, it will be fascinating to see which games continue to dominate the charts and whether another hidden gem like Suika Game will emerge to steal the spotlight.
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