How many copies of Mega Man games sold
As one of gaming‘s most iconic franchises, the Mega Man series has moved an incredible number of units over the past 35 years. According to the latest data from developer Capcom, lifetime sales for the franchise have exceeded 38 million copies worldwide across over 50 game releases on various platforms since the first Mega Man title launched in 1987.
For perspective, this puts the classic Blue Bomber ahead of household names like The Legend of Zelda (over 29 million) and on par with Capcom‘s own Resident Evil series. Needless to say, this robot boy with a plasma cannon for an arm continues to capture the hearts of gamers everywhere!
Mega Man 11 Cements Legacy as Best Selling Series Entry
The recently released Mega Man 11 represents a new high mark for franchise sales, making it the new record holder as top selling Mega Man game. Released in October 2018, Capcom confirmed in September 2022 that Mega Man 11 has sold an impressive 1.6 million units across PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC.
This figure puts the latest adventure of the stalwart hero well beyond predecessors like Mega Man 2, 3 and fan-favorites like Mega Man X and Mega Man Battle Network. Proof positive that even after over three decades, there‘s still plenty of love out there for gaming‘s Blue Bomber!
Mega Man 2 Still a Strong Contender with 1.51 Million Copies Sold
It‘s incredible achievement for Mega Man 11 to unseat the previously best-selling franchise entry, none other than classic NES title Mega Man 2, originally released way back in 1988. Beloved by fans and critics alike for improving on all aspects of the first Mega Man game, MM2 went to sell over 1.51 million copies worldwide over the years.
In fact according to Capcom, as of 2008 the NES classic still averaged roughly 8,000 unit sales per year – very impressive for a game over 20 years old at that point! Just goes to show the lasting impact Mega Man 2 has had, setting benchmarks in graphics, music and challenge levels for the entire franchise right up to the present day.
Sales Continue Across Multiple Platforms and Generations
Of course it isn‘t just these top two chart-toppers driving Mega Man‘s lifetime sales either. Fan favorites like Mega Man X and Mega Man Battle Network 3 for Game Boy Advance have both cleared 1 million copies sold each. And with the rise of mobile gaming, Capcom has re-released various legacy Mega Man titles on modern platforms – raking in big numbers for these retro re-issues.
In fact, one analysis shows the recent Mega Man Legacy Collection for Nintendo Switch shifting over 1 million digital units globally. Proof there‘s strong interest in the Blue Bomber‘s exploits across generations!
Mega Man Sales Stand Tall Against Big Hitters like Street Fighter and Resident Evil
So just how does Mega Man‘s lifetime haul compare against Capcom‘s other major franchises? Take a look at this sales comparison chart:
| Franchise | Lifetime Sales |
|---|---|
| Street Fighter | 47.1 million |
| Resident Evil | 123.7 million |
| Mega Man | 38 million |
| Monster Hunter | 78.1 million |
As we can see, Mega Man firmly holds its own against even Capcom‘s biggest blockbuster names. Outpacing the likes of Dead Rising and DmC by huge margins. And unlike some franchises that seesaw between moderate sales and big budget flops, Mega Man has consistently delivered solid numbers across decades of new releases.
Proof there continues to be a substantial audience of devoted fans hungry for each fresh chapter in this legendary franchise!
Where is Mega Man Most Popular Globally?
Given its early beginnings on Nintendo platforms, it‘s perhaps no surprise that Mega Man enjoys strongest traction in its native Japan. However the regional sales breakdown may reveal some unexpected results:
Mega Man Series Regional Unit Sales Breakdown
| Region | Sales | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 18.4 million | 48% |
| North America | 12 million | 32% |
| Europe | 4.6 million | 12% |
| Other | 3 million | 8% |
Interesting to see that North America accounts for almost one-third of total lifetime sales – no doubt buoyed by strong nostalgic interest in the NES/SNES era classics. While as an influential pioneer in the early days of console gaming, Mega Man continues to be a powerhouse IP in its Japanese homeland after 35 years.
The Blue Bomber Looks to a Bright Future
With such impressive lifetime sales achievements already banked, what does the future look like for Capcom‘s stalwart hero? The company has already hinted we may see a follow-up to the well-received Mega Man 11 when the time is right.
And with the franchise celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2022, rumors abound of new compilation releases or perhaps long-requested remakes of games like Mega Man X9 finally coming to fruition. One thing‘s for sure – as long as fans continue responding so strongly to each new Mega Man release, Capcom would be crazy not to invest further in the Blue Bomber!
Over 38 million units moved is not just a clear-cut commercial success, it‘s indicative of Mega Man‘s cultural impact across more than three decades of gaming innovation. And with demand still so strong even after all these years, it‘s safe bet we‘ve not seen the last of Rockman yet!
So here‘s hoping the next 35 years are just as groundbreaking for this iconic gaming superstar!
