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Ace Combat 7 Surpasses 7 Million Sales Milestone

1/17/2026, 11:47:05 PM

Sales Achievement and Context

Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that *Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown* has surpassed 7 million copies sold globally since its release in January 2019. This milestone, celebrated on the official Ace Combat social media accounts, coincides with the game's seventh anniversary, marking a significant achievement for the franchise. The announcement highlighted the game's strong performance, particularly following its release on the Nintendo Switch in July 2024, which contributed to a notable sales boost. Prior to this, the game had sold 6 million copies by January 2025, indicating an increase of 1 million units in just one year.

Broader Franchise Impact

The success of *Ace Combat 7* has significantly contributed to the overall franchise, which has now sold approximately 21 million units across all titles. This means that *Ace Combat 7* accounts for about one-third of total franchise sales. The game's popularity has been bolstered by its engaging gameplay, which allows players to take on the role of an ace pilot, codenamed Trigger, and participate in aerial dogfights while progressing through a narrative-driven campaign.

Upcoming Developments

Looking ahead, Bandai Namco has announced the development of *Ace Combat 8: Wings of Thieve*, set to release in 2026 for PC and consoles, including the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This upcoming title is expected to feature an "emotionally charged" narrative and multiplayer modes, generating anticipation among fans of the series.

Official Statements & Responses

Kazutoki Kono, the director of the Ace Combat series, expressed gratitude for the continued support from players, stating, "We are deeply grateful that so many players have continued flying with us for so long. We look forward to meeting you again in the next skies." To commemorate the sales milestone, Bandai Namco released free wallpapers and added music from previous titles in the series to their soundtrack offerings.

Criticism & Opposition

While the game has received acclaim, some critics have noted limitations in its virtual reality (VR) capabilities. Ian Higton, a reviewer, remarked that the VR experience could have been more expansive, suggesting that a more comprehensive VR implementation would have significantly enhanced the game's appeal.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

There are no significant conflicting reports regarding the sales figures of *Ace Combat 7*. However, the specifics of the game's performance on different platforms, particularly the Nintendo Switch, could benefit from further detailed analysis, especially regarding how it compares to sales on other consoles.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “We are deeply grateful that so many players have continued flying with us for so long. We look forward to meeting you again in the next skies.” — Kazutoki Kono, Director, Ace Combat Series
  • “the absolute pinnacle of the series” — Nintendo Life Review of *Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown*

This sales milestone not only highlights the enduring popularity of *Ace Combat 7* but also sets the stage for future developments within the franchise, as fans eagerly await the next installment.