Those are both Nintendo, not merely ‘Japanese’. However you may feel about Nintendo’s legal proclivities, they are a longtime major player in the industry and, despite the gimmicky nature of the last few consoles, produce a very consistent, high quality with a brand perception in the ballpark of Disney. Those two things make them the default choice for any content-conscious parents or grandparents buying for kids, which has historically been the bulk of the market.
//edit: I guess that is half the explanation- the other half is the now large population of gamers with very warm, nostalgic feelings for Nintendo IP after the massive impact it had on their youth.
Those are both Nintendo, not merely ‘Japanese’. However you may feel about Nintendo’s legal proclivities, they are a longtime major player in the industry and, despite the gimmicky nature of the last few consoles, produce a very consistent, high quality with a brand perception in the ballpark of Disney. Those two things make them the default choice for any content-conscious parents or grandparents buying for kids, which has historically been the bulk of the market.
//edit: I guess that is half the explanation- the other half is the now large population of gamers with very warm, nostalgic feelings for Nintendo IP after the massive impact it had on their youth.