Published on: February 27, 2023
Octopath Traveler II Makes a Strong Debut on Nintendo Switch in UK Charts
The UK video game sales charts released for the week ending February 27, 2023, highlight a noteworthy performance from both established franchises and new releases on the Nintendo Switch.
Square Enix’s Octopath Traveler II, the much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed RPG, has made an impressive entry, debuting at number six on the UK sales chart and underscoring the growing success of Japanese role-playing games on Nintendo’s hybrid platform.
Background and Context
Developed by Square Enix, Octopath Traveler II follows in the footsteps of its 2018 predecessor, continuing the series’ signature HD-2D art style and deep, turn-based combat.
Released on February 24, 2023, across multiple platforms, the RPG has quickly garnered attention among genre enthusiasts—particularly on the Nintendo Switch, where demand for role-playing experiences remains robust.
The Switch version dominated sales, accounting for an impressive 74% of the launch-week purchases.
By comparison, the PlayStation 5 iteration made up 24% of sales, with the PlayStation 4 garnering the remaining 2%.
Authoritatively reflecting on the game’s performance, industry data compiled by GfK confirms Octopath Traveler II as Square Enix’s latest success in the UK market, further establishing the Nintendo Switch as the primary home for this niche but growing franchise.
Chart Performance: Switch Remains a Top-Selling Platform
While Hogwarts Legacy sustained its reign at number one, Nintendo enjoyed strong showings overall.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe entered at number three, showcasing consistent interest in the beloved Kirby series following titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Kirby’s Dream Buffet.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—another perennial favorite—rounded out the top five, highlighting the enduring sales power of established franchises on the Nintendo Switch and eShop.
Other new entries included Atomic Heart at number seven and Like a Dragon: Ishin! at number eight, though these titles saw different sales dynamics on Xbox and PlayStation platforms.
Atomic Heart, for example, launched day one on Game Pass, which contributed to Xbox’s limited 13% share of sales for the title.
Full UK Top 10 Video Game Sales (GfK, Week Ending Feb 27, 2023):
1.
Hogwarts Legacy
2.
FIFA 23
3.
Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe
4.
God of War Ragnarok
5.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
6.
Octopath Traveler II
7.
Atomic Heart
8.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
9.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
10.
Minecraft
Conclusion
The strong debut of Octopath Traveler II on the Nintendo Switch highlights both the enduring appeal of Square Enix’s RPGs and the platform’s continued dominance in this genre.
As sales momentum continues, it is clear that Nintendo Switch remains a vital force in driving growth for both first-party franchises and third-party gems like Octopath Traveler II.
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