The UK physical games chart this week reveals a dramatic shift, particularly for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, as Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 titles assert their dominance in the lead-up to the crucial holiday shopping period.
According to data compiled by GfK, a renowned research group specializing in market and consumer information, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond—developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo—dropped to 15th place after its strong debut in third position just last week. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's swift chart descent highlights the volatile nature of the physical games market.
The anticipated continuation of Samus Aran’s saga, launching for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, initially captured significant attention from dedicated Metroid fans and newcomers alike.
This week, however, the title accounts for 76% of its sales on Switch 2 and 24% on the original Switch platform, reflecting a clear transition among consumers to Nintendo’s latest hardware. At the top of the UK physical gaming charts, Mario Kart World surged back into the number one position, reaffirming the franchise’s perennial appeal.
EA SPORTS FC 26 followed close behind, with platform data indicating a robust showing across PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series consoles, and PlayStation 4.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A secured the third spot, with an impressive split between the Nintendo Switch (66%) and the Switch 2 (34%), underscoring the rapidly growing install base of the new console. Several veteran Nintendo franchises saw notable upticks.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reclaimed a spot in the top five, while Donkey Kong Bananza and the combined Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 both returned to the top 10.
Nintendo’s sports and party-focused titles, particularly Nintendo Switch Sports and Super Mario Party Jamboree, also performed strongly, signaling consistent demand for family-friendly, multiplayer experiences across both hardware generations. Elsewhere in the top 40, new releases fell further down the rankings.
Terminator 2D: NO FATE debuted at 20th, with a substantial 33% of its sales contributed by the Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 entered at position 22, while Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection rounded out the latest entrants in 23rd.
The enduring popularity of third-party and legacy titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga demonstrates Nintendo’s sustained software appeal, even as new hardware cycles. GfK’s chart, which analyzes weekly physical sales performances, provides a lens into consumer trends and platform preferences in the UK market.
This week’s results highlight Nintendo’s remarkable ability to keep its franchises at the forefront, leveraging both heritage titles and new releases to maintain a commanding retail presence.
As the holiday season approaches, the competition intensifies—but for now, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 titles remain firmly in control of the UK’s retail charts.
According to data compiled by GfK, a renowned research group specializing in market and consumer information, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond—developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo—dropped to 15th place after its strong debut in third position just last week. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's swift chart descent highlights the volatile nature of the physical games market.
The anticipated continuation of Samus Aran’s saga, launching for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, initially captured significant attention from dedicated Metroid fans and newcomers alike.
This week, however, the title accounts for 76% of its sales on Switch 2 and 24% on the original Switch platform, reflecting a clear transition among consumers to Nintendo’s latest hardware. At the top of the UK physical gaming charts, Mario Kart World surged back into the number one position, reaffirming the franchise’s perennial appeal.
EA SPORTS FC 26 followed close behind, with platform data indicating a robust showing across PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series consoles, and PlayStation 4.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A secured the third spot, with an impressive split between the Nintendo Switch (66%) and the Switch 2 (34%), underscoring the rapidly growing install base of the new console. Several veteran Nintendo franchises saw notable upticks.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reclaimed a spot in the top five, while Donkey Kong Bananza and the combined Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 both returned to the top 10.
Nintendo’s sports and party-focused titles, particularly Nintendo Switch Sports and Super Mario Party Jamboree, also performed strongly, signaling consistent demand for family-friendly, multiplayer experiences across both hardware generations. Elsewhere in the top 40, new releases fell further down the rankings.
Terminator 2D: NO FATE debuted at 20th, with a substantial 33% of its sales contributed by the Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 entered at position 22, while Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection rounded out the latest entrants in 23rd.
The enduring popularity of third-party and legacy titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga demonstrates Nintendo’s sustained software appeal, even as new hardware cycles. GfK’s chart, which analyzes weekly physical sales performances, provides a lens into consumer trends and platform preferences in the UK market.
This week’s results highlight Nintendo’s remarkable ability to keep its franchises at the forefront, leveraging both heritage titles and new releases to maintain a commanding retail presence.
As the holiday season approaches, the competition intensifies—but for now, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 titles remain firmly in control of the UK’s retail charts.
