Kingdom Hearts Collection Takes #1 in Japan's Weekly Video Game Rankings – Ace Combat 8 Also Hits Top 3!

The latest Famitsu‑backed Japan video game rankings for the week of October 5‑11, 2026 have just dropped, and the headline is unmistakable: Kingdom Hearts Collection Switch 2 has stormed to the top of the charts with a staggering 23,411 units sold on its debut day, October 8. The beloved action‑RPG series has once again proven its staying power, this time on Nintendo’s new Switch 2 platform. Meanwhile, the tactical flight sim Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve secured a solid #3 spot with 13,801 units sold on its release date, October 2. These figures are not just numbers—they’re a clear indicator of how the market is shifting toward nostalgic re-releases and high‑profile new entries.

What We Know

Key Highlights

• Kingdom Hearts Collection tops the chart with 23,411 units sold on its Switch 2 launch, marking the series’ strongest performance in Japan since the original 2002 release.
• Ace Combat 8 lands in the top‑three for the first time in a decade, selling 13,801 units on its PS5 debut.
• Rhythm Heaven Groove and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave continue to dominate the Switch 2 lineup, each pulling in over 5,000 units.
• Classic titles like Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons II still see steady sales, a testament to their enduring popularity.

Why Fans Are Excited

The surge of Kingdom Hearts Collection on Switch 2 is more than a sales triumph; it’s a cultural moment. Fans who grew up with the original trilogy are finally getting a polished, all‑in‑one package that includes the newly remastered Kingdom Hearts III. The fact that the collection debuted at #1 on its launch day—selling over 23,000 units—signals that the nostalgic wave is still powerful.

Similarly, Ace Combat 8’s climb to #3 is a win for long‑time fans of the series. The franchise has been dormant on modern consoles for years, and the new release on PS5 brings back the classic flight‑sim gameplay with modern graphics. The 13,801 units sold on the first day are a strong indicator that the community is eager for fresh content.

The presence of Rhythm Heaven Groove and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave in the top five also reflects the Switch 2’s growing library. Both titles offer unique gameplay experiences—one a rhythmic party game, the other a tactical RPG—showing that the console appeals to a broad spectrum of players.

Background

Kingdom Hearts

The Kingdom Hearts franchise, a collaboration between Disney and Square Enix, has long been a staple of action‑RPG gaming. Since its 2002 debut, the series has blended Disney worlds with Final Fantasy characters, creating a cult following worldwide. The Kingdom Hearts Collection bundles the first three entries with Kingdom Hearts III, all remastered for modern hardware. Its release on Switch 2 marks the first time the entire series is available on Nintendo’s new console, which is designed to bridge the gap between the original Switch and the next generation.

Ace Combat

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the eighth entry in the long‑running flight‑simulation series by Bandai Namco. Known for its cinematic dogfights and deep lore, the game had been absent from PlayStation platforms for several years. The PS5 version brings updated graphics and online multiplayer, revitalizing the franchise for a new generation of gamers.

Other Notable Titles

• Rhythm Heaven Groove: A Nintendo‑exclusive rhythm game that has seen a resurgence on Switch 2, thanks to its engaging music selection and multiplayer modes.
• Dragons Dogma 2: Dark Arisen: A re‑release of the beloved action RPG, now optimized for Switch 2.
• Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave: A tactical RPG that continues the legacy of the Fire Emblem series on Nintendo hardware.

What's Next

With the Kingdom Hearts Collection already at the top of the charts, Square Enix is likely to keep the momentum going by offering additional DLC or a deluxe edition featuring extra content. The strong sales suggest that the Switch 2’s hardware is well‑received, which could encourage more third‑party developers to launch on the platform.

For Ace Combat, the #3 spot indicates that Bandai Namco may consider expanding the series with additional titles or spin‑offs. The PS5’s advanced processing power could allow for more realistic flight physics and larger multiplayer arenas.

Other titles in the top 20—especially Rhythm Heaven Groove and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave—may see increased marketing pushes or new DLC releases in the coming months, as publishers look to capitalize on the Switch 2’s growing user base.

The consistent presence of Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons II shows that indie and sandbox titles still hold a strong place in the market, hinting at a future where both high‑profile franchises and indie gems coexist.

Closing

The October 5‑11 rankings are a clear snapshot of Japan’s current gaming pulse. Kingdom Hearts Collection’s #1 debut on Switch 2 showcases the enduring power of nostalgia, while Ace Combat 8’s rise to #3 underscores the appetite for fresh takes on classic series. As Nintendo’s Switch 2 continues to gather traction, and as major publishers release new content across platforms, anime and gaming communities alike are poised for an exciting wave of releases that blend legacy and innovation. Stay tuned—next week’s rankings might just bring a new surprise to the top of the charts.