Pokémon Legends: Z-A Maintains Top Spot in UK Boxed Charts Despite Slower Launch Sales on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Continues Its Reign at the Top of UK Boxed Charts for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest major release from The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 platforms, has maintained its position at the top of the UK boxed video game charts for a second consecutive week.

This achievement comes as no surprise, considering the immense install base of the Nintendo Switch family, which has surpassed 150 million units globally. However, despite its strong chart performance, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has seen a slower retail launch compared to its recent predecessors.

According to data sourced from GfK and industry analyst Chris Dring of The Game Business, boxed sales for Pokémon Legends: Z-A in the UK are approximately 28% lower than the launch of Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Dring further notes that Z-A marks the smallest retail launch for a mainline Pokémon game since Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee! hit shelves in 2018. One reason behind this trend could be the game’s dual release across Switch and the recently launched Switch 2.

With the next-generation Switch 2 having a significantly lower install base than its predecessor, retail sales have been split, though early figures indicate a stronger uptake for Z-A on Switch 2 in the UK market since its release on October 16.

The split in platform sales shows Pokémon Legends: Z-A reaching 61% of its boxed sales on Switch and 39% on Switch 2. A Look at the Top Performers in the UK Charts As Pokémon Legends: Z-A maintains pole position, several multi-platform titles have made noticeable entries in the top 40, though none have challenged the dominance of Nintendo’s offerings at retail.

New entries this week include Jurassic World: Evolution 3 (No.

5), Ninja Gaiden 4 (No.

12), The Outer Worlds 2 (No.

16), and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 (No.

20).

Despite these arrivals, Nintendo’s first-party games remain firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of the charts. Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 titles continue to represent half of the top ten, underscoring the platforms’ ongoing strength in the UK market.

This lineup includes flagship franchises such as Mario Kart World, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, Minecraft, and Donkey Kong Bananza. Platform Breakdown Demonstrates Multi-Console Momentum According to the latest GfK report, retail sales data highlight the ongoing appeal of Nintendo’s hardware and software.

For example, Mario Kart World and Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 retain their top ten placements alongside Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Donkey Kong Bananza also continues to perform well, demonstrating the evergreen popularity of classic Nintendo brands. In summary, Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains the leading retail title in the UK for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 despite its slower launch compared to prior Pokémon mainline entries.

With a diverse lineup of popular titles and a loyal user base, Nintendo’s platforms are well-positioned to maintain strong chart presence as the gaming calendar progresses.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A UK Z Pokémon Legends Legends: Z-A The Pokémon Company Mario Kart World Super Mario Galaxy Donkey Kong Bananza GfK