Death Stranding 2 Tops UK Charts as Physical Sales Decline, Mario Kart World Drops to Second

The latest UK game sales charts reveal a significant shift at the top, as Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, developed under the direction of Hideo Kojima, has debuted at number one.

This marks a notable shake-up, as it pushes Nintendo’s popular Mario Kart World out of the top position for the first time since its launch. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach made an immediate impact with its arrival, a testament to the enduring anticipation surrounding Kojima Productions’ unique vision.

The sequel’s release has been closely watched by industry analysts, particularly given the evolving landscape of physical and digital game sales. However, industry analyst Chris Dring of The Game Business reports that physical sales of Death Stranding 2 are down 66% compared to its predecessor’s launch.

This marked decline in boxed copies is seen as indicative of a broader shift toward digital purchasing in the UK and global markets.

Dring observed that the current games industry reflects changing consumer preferences, with many opting for digital downloads over traditional retail purchases.

Despite this trend in physical sales, Death Stranding 2 comfortably secured the top spot in this week’s GfK-compiled charts. Another highlight in the week’s rankings is Nightdive Studios’ The Thing: Remastered, which entered the UK charts at number seven after its recent physical edition launch.

The remaster, praised for its faithful recreation and technical polish, performed notably better on PlayStation 5, where it boasts a smooth 120fps experience.

Nonetheless, the Nintendo Switch version accounted for a significant share of its initial sales, underscoring the continuing relevance of the platform for both new and remastered titles. Mario Kart World, which has dominated the top of the charts since release, now occupies the number two position.

The various Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 editions of charting titles like Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, Hogwarts Legacy, and Super Mario Party Jamboree further illustrate the ongoing popularity of Nintendo’s hybrid consoles in the competitive UK market. In addition, legacy titles including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom continue to see strong performance across both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, reflecting the sustained engagement of Nintendo’s dedicated fanbase. This week’s UK chart provides a snapshot of an industry in transition, with blockbuster launches, hardware advancements, and evolving consumer habits all playing a role in shaping sales outcomes.

As digital storefronts such as the Nintendo eShop continue to expand, industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on future physical-to-digital sales trends.

For now, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach’s debut at number one underscores developer Hideo Kojima’s continued influence, while Nintendo’s presence remains undiminished across multiple chart entries.

Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch UK Charts UK Kart Death Stranding Death Stranding 2 Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Hideo Kojima Switch 2 Nightdive Studios The Thing: Remastered Chris Dring The Game Business GfK