UK Boxed Game Charts: Mario Kart World Races to the Top as Switch 2 Boosts Physical Sales

The latest UK boxed game sales charts reveal a dynamic week for physical software, with Nintendo’s perennial hit Mario Kart World surging back into the number one position.

Tracked by market research firm GfK, these rankings show continued enthusiasm for Nintendo’s platforms, particularly following the launch of the Switch 2 hardware, alongside notable debuts from new multiplatform releases. Mario Kart World, a flagship title for Nintendo, has reclaimed the top slot, demonstrating staying power and broad appeal.

The game's return to first place underscores the franchise's ability to outperform both new and established competitors—an impressive feat for a series that has consistently driven hardware and software sales since its inception. Among the week's newcomers, Cronos: The New Dawn entered the chart in fourth place.

Data from GfK clarifies the platform split for its physical copies: an overwhelming 83% of boxed sales were on PlayStation 5, 9% on PC, and 8% attributed to Nintendo Switch 2.

Such a distribution reflects the PS5's dominance in the horror genre market, while the card-based release format on Switch 2 may be impacting uptake.

"There’s a clear preference for PlayStation 5 among Cronos fans," said a spokesperson, echoing industry sentiment around genre-platform alignment. Elsewhere in the charts, Star Wars Outlaws made a significant re-entry into the top ten, landing at number seven.

This resurgence was driven largely by its release on Switch 2, accounting for 75% of its boxed sales.

PlayStation 5 and Xbox held an 18% and 7% share respectively, illustrating the ongoing importance of Nintendo’s expanding hardware ecosystem for major cross-platform titles. Other titles fared with varying degrees of success.

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots debuted at number 15, with PlayStation 5 taking a 62% share of physical sales and Switch 2 garnering 38%.

Meanwhile, Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion had a quieter launch at number 24, with 72% of its boxed sales attributed to Switch 2, 24% to PlayStation 5, and 4% to Xbox.

These figures highlight the nuanced competitiveness between platforms in the UK market. Several key Nintendo titles maintained strong positions within the top 40.

Super Mario Party Jamboree (72% Switch, 28% Switch 2), Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom continued to secure sales momentum amidst new launches.

Additionally, sales data for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (58% Switch, 42% Switch 2) and Bluey: The Videogame (with Switch capturing 84% of sales) further emphasize the robust demand for Nintendo software on both legacy and new hardware. According to GfK, the boxed games market remains influenced by key platform launches and strong first-party Nintendo titles.

Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to physical distribution, combined with the expanded audience from Switch 2, is driving a notable uptick in retail sales.

As the competitive dynamics between Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox evolve, next week’s chart promises further insight into shifting consumer preferences within the UK gaming landscape.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Star Wars Star Wars Outlaws Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch UK Kart Cronos: The New Dawn Outlaws Cronos The New Dawn Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater EA Sports FC 25 GfK Cronos