Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Misses UK Top 10 as Nintendo Prepares for Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo’s flagship racer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, has slipped outside the UK Top 10 for the first time in months, according to the latest games chart data compiled by GfK.

Coming in at number 11 for the week, this change marks a rare moment for the consistently strong Nintendo Switch title, which has maintained a prominent position in the charts since its launch in April 2017. The current UK bestselling games list reflects a dynamic marketplace, with Nintendo Switch titles yielding ground as anticipation grows for the next-generation hardware.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which has long been a standard-bearer for both sales and critical acclaim, saw sales dip just enough to move below tenth place.

The game’s continued popularity, however, ensures it remains a benchmark among Switch exclusives and first-party Nintendo releases. Industry analysts note that the drop in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's chart position coincides with mounting anticipation for Nintendo's next console, widely referred to as the Switch 2.

Upcoming titles such as Pokemon Legends: Z-A and the rumored Mario Kart follow-up are expected to reignite software sales on the platform after its 2025 launch. Speaking on the recent chart, sources familiar with UK retail trends observed, "There is a clear sense that Nintendo fans are waiting for the new hardware,” highlighting ongoing consumer enthusiasm for the Switch brand.

Notably, this week’s chart also showcases several titles confirmed for Switch 2, including Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Split Fiction, and Hitman: World of Assassination.

These games are set to receive day-one ports for Nintendo’s new system, likely providing a significant sales boost after the June 9, 2025, launch, which marks the first full UK sales week for the Switch 2. Topping this week’s UK chart is Hogwarts Legacy, with the Nintendo Switch version accounting for a substantial 45% of its sales, followed by notable performers Astro Bot, Tekken 8, and Monster Hunter Wilds.

Other perennial Nintendo-published titles, such as Super Mario Party Jamboree (No.

16) and Super Mario Bros.

Wonder (No.

18), remain in the top 20, further demonstrating Nintendo Switch software’s enduring presence despite decreasing momentum as the platform’s hardware lifecycle matures. A full platform breakdown reveals that the Nintendo Switch continues to be a preferred platform for several cross-platform titles, including Sonic Superstars and Poppy Playtime Triple Pack, with Switch versions contributing large percentages of overall sales. The continual evolution of the UK games chart highlights the resilience of first-party Nintendo titles and the growing anticipation for the next step in the company’s hardware journey.

As the Switch 2’s 2025 release date draws nearer, industry watchers expect Nintendo mainstays—Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda—to reclaim and reinforce their sales dominance on the new console and eShop.

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