The start of 2026 marks a familiar scene in the UK gaming charts, as reported by GfK’s latest weekly data.
Continuing a strong performance streak, EA Sports FC 26 has once again claimed the top position, demonstrating sustained player engagement across multiple platforms and cementing its dominance in the sports gaming genre.
Notably, PlayStation 5 users accounted for the largest share of EA Sports FC 26 sales, followed by the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, with the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox filling out the remainder. Racing fans continue to show enduring enthusiasm for the Mario Kart franchise.
Mario Kart World held steady at number two, displaying the series' lasting popularity since its inception.
Meanwhile, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which consistently appears in the top ten years after its original Nintendo Switch release, experienced a minor drop to seventh place, yet remains one of Nintendo’s best-selling and most resilient titles. A significant debut comes from Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which entered the charts at position 39.
Consumer purchasing patterns reveal a forward-looking shift, with an overwhelming 80% of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond sales attributed to Nintendo Switch 2, while 20% occurred on the original Nintendo Switch.
This indicates an eagerness among the fanbase to experience the highly anticipated Metroid sequel on Nintendo’s latest hardware, aligning with trends seen in previous console transitions.
As Switch 2 adoption increases, industry analysts expect Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to sustain a long sales tail, much like past titles that have straddled generational boundaries. Elsewhere in the top ten, titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Battlefiled 6 continue to maintain strong positions, appealing to a variety of gaming audiences.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s split between Switch and Switch 2 (54% vs.
46%) mirrors the trend of players embracing new hardware while not abandoning the established install base. The full chart, compiled by GfK, highlights not only the staying power of established franchises but also the shifting landscape as gamers transition to next-generation consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo, EA Sports, and other major developers remain at the forefront of the UK market, with their titles consistently achieving high chart positions and strong cross-platform sales. As the year progresses, it will be essential for industry watchers and fans alike to monitor how new hardware adoption impacts both legacy and upcoming releases.
Given current sales data, Nintendo looks poised to continue its momentum, supported by popular series and robust hardware upgrades through its eShop and retail channels.
Continuing a strong performance streak, EA Sports FC 26 has once again claimed the top position, demonstrating sustained player engagement across multiple platforms and cementing its dominance in the sports gaming genre.
Notably, PlayStation 5 users accounted for the largest share of EA Sports FC 26 sales, followed by the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, with the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox filling out the remainder. Racing fans continue to show enduring enthusiasm for the Mario Kart franchise.
Mario Kart World held steady at number two, displaying the series' lasting popularity since its inception.
Meanwhile, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which consistently appears in the top ten years after its original Nintendo Switch release, experienced a minor drop to seventh place, yet remains one of Nintendo’s best-selling and most resilient titles. A significant debut comes from Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which entered the charts at position 39.
Consumer purchasing patterns reveal a forward-looking shift, with an overwhelming 80% of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond sales attributed to Nintendo Switch 2, while 20% occurred on the original Nintendo Switch.
This indicates an eagerness among the fanbase to experience the highly anticipated Metroid sequel on Nintendo’s latest hardware, aligning with trends seen in previous console transitions.
As Switch 2 adoption increases, industry analysts expect Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to sustain a long sales tail, much like past titles that have straddled generational boundaries. Elsewhere in the top ten, titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Battlefiled 6 continue to maintain strong positions, appealing to a variety of gaming audiences.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s split between Switch and Switch 2 (54% vs.
46%) mirrors the trend of players embracing new hardware while not abandoning the established install base. The full chart, compiled by GfK, highlights not only the staying power of established franchises but also the shifting landscape as gamers transition to next-generation consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo, EA Sports, and other major developers remain at the forefront of the UK market, with their titles consistently achieving high chart positions and strong cross-platform sales. As the year progresses, it will be essential for industry watchers and fans alike to monitor how new hardware adoption impacts both legacy and upcoming releases.
Given current sales data, Nintendo looks poised to continue its momentum, supported by popular series and robust hardware upgrades through its eShop and retail channels.
