Minecraft Climbs UK Switch Charts as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Returns to Top Ten Ahead of Switch 2 Launch

With the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 launch now just a few weeks away, the latest UK game charts provide a strong snapshot of player trends on the existing Nintendo Switch hardware.

This week, Minecraft on Nintendo Switch witnessed a significant leap, rising to the number two position across all platforms, according to recent data compiled by GfK.

This jump places it just behind the top-selling title of the week, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Minecraft's sustained popularity on the Nintendo Switch continues to impress, powered by its dedicated fanbase and positive word of mouth.

The game, developed by Mojang Studios and first released on Switch in 2018 via the eShop and physical retail, has demonstrated remarkable longevity, regularly appearing among top-sellers across a multitude of regions.

Minecraft's position in the UK this week underlines its enduring appeal on Nintendo’s hybrid console, where its pick-up-and-play design and local multiplayer features remain standout selling points. Notably, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has also reclaimed a spot in the UK top ten, coming in at number eight for the week.

Originally released for the Nintendo Switch in April 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling game on the platform, with over 60 million copies sold worldwide as of December 2023.

The game’s resurgence in chart position coincides with ongoing promotional activity on the eShop and its frequent inclusion in Nintendo Direct presentations.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to benefit from robust digital sales, evergreen appeal, and strong multiplayer engagement, both locally and online. Among other highlights, Grand Theft Auto V climbed to fifth place, buoyed by renewed excitement following the recent trailer release for its anticipated sequel.

EA Sports FC 25, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Super Mario Party Jamboree also featured prominently in the charts, reflecting the diversity of genres currently popular on the Nintendo Switch landscape. The approaching launch of the Switch 2 is expected to reshape the UK and global sales charts, but this week’s rankings underscore the consistent performance of leading Nintendo franchises and third-party successes on the current hardware.

As of this reporting, titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Animal Crossing: New Horizons maintain solid chart standings, exemplifying Nintendo's strength in fostering long-term engagement for both new and legacy titles. For a full breakdown, GfK’s latest UK top 40 includes detailed platform splits for cross-platform releases, further highlighting the growing prominence of the Nintendo Switch ahead of its successor’s debut.

Gamers and industry watchers alike are now looking to see which titles will capture the spotlight as the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives and a new chapter begins for the hardware giant.

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