Resident Evil 9 hits 7 million units, so how did the NS2 version come out on top?

Capcom and project director Koshi Nakanishi confirmed that Resident Evil 9: Requiem passed 7 million copies sold within months of release, setting a new series record. As the first mainline entry in the franchise to launch simultaneously on Nintendo Switch 2, the Switch 2 version has delivered standout reception, and Nakanishi said its Metacritic score is even higher than the PS5 version.

I used to think launching a blockbuster like this on the subway was unrealistic: stutter, blur, heat, and the urge to quit after three minutes. Capcom had similar concerns early in development and stayed cautious about bringing a high-spec horror game to handheld hardware. The result came from targeted optimization that improved both frame smoothness and visual detail, to the point that the team kept asking internally, “Can Switch 2 really run this this well?” That contrast feels like expecting a convenience-store rice ball and getting a freshly cooked bowl of noodles instead.

For commuting players, what matters most is not how pretty the spec sheet looks, but whether a quick session feels effortless. The Switch 2 version earned stronger word of mouth because it moved from “playable” to “easy to keep playing.” Shadow layers remain readable on a small screen, and combat plus exploration keep a clean pace without drag, which strengthens immersion. Once immersion in a horror game stays stable, emotional momentum stacks quickly and it becomes hard to put down.

One more point: those 7 million copies are not just brand power at work; they also show Capcom’s simultaneous multi-platform release strategy is effective. Many publishers used to launch on one console first and patch in other versions later, and the time gap often drained momentum. A same-window launch concentrates discussion volume and guide creation, with players on different platforms participating at the same time, making popularity easier to sustain. Nakanishi also said the team was “surprised” by the Switch 2 market response, and that reaction is the most direct market answer.

If you’re a light player like me, the buying advice can stay simple. First, choose based on where you play most: pick PS5 for big-screen home sessions, or prioritize Switch 2 for commuting and fragmented time. Second, if you get motion sickness in 3D games or are sensitive to intense horror atmosphere, watch some gameplay footage before deciding. Third, if you do not need day-one purchase, waiting for a later promotion is reasonable—but if you want to join community discussion on story and presentation right now, buying now gives the fullest experience. Overall, Resident Evil 9: Requiem successfully delivers both “high-spec production” and “portable play,” and that is a real win for lighter players.