Pokémon Legends Z-A Leads UK Charts Following Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Pokémon Legends Z-A, the highly anticipated release from Nintendo, has made a formidable debut, landing at the top of the latest UK Charts for the week following its global launch on October 16, 2025.

The title, developed exclusively for both the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, reflects the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise and the evolving interest in new-generation hardware. Market data compiled by GfK, the trusted video game market research firm, reveals that Pokémon Legends Z-A achieved an almost evenly split in boxed sales during its first week—51% of retail copies sold were for the Nintendo Switch 2, with the remaining 49% attributed to the original Nintendo Switch.

This balance underscores the strong market presence of both platforms, even as the Switch 2 continues to gain momentum among early adopters. However, overall boxed sales for Pokémon Legends Z-A are 40% lower than those achieved by its predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, according to data shared by Chris Dring of The Game Business.

While this figure provides important context for retail performance, it's important to note that the absence of official digital sales data from Nintendo means the full picture remains incomplete.

Industry experts suggest that digital downloads via the Nintendo Switch eShop likely represent a significant share of total sales, particularly given ongoing shifts in consumer purchasing behaviour.

As boxed sales no longer fully capture a game's impact at launch, this digital component will play a critical role in the coming weeks. Beyond the dominant Pokémon launch, the charts highlight other notable performances.

Ubisoft’s Just Dance 2026 Edition made its market debut at number 16, demonstrating the franchise’s continued appeal and reliable presence in global top 40 listings.

Titles such as Mario Kart World, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons also maintained strong positions, emphasizing the sustained success of first-party Nintendo games across both hardware generations. The presence of robust multiplatform sales is evident in the chart breakdown, with games such as EA Sports FC 26 and Little Nightmares III displaying significant splits across PlayStation, Xbox, and both Switch platforms.

These patterns signal the growing complexity of modern video game launches, where platform choice and hardware generational shifts are key factors influencing sales and chart standings. As the transition to Nintendo Switch 2 accelerates, the industry will closely monitor both boxed and digital sales figures in assessing the success of flagship releases like Pokémon Legends Z-A.

For now, its chart-topping launch reaffirms Pokémon's unrivalled status in the Nintendo ecosystem and sets high expectations for upcoming first-party titles. Gaming analysts, developers, and Nintendo fans will be watching closely for further sales updates and digital performance data, which are increasingly crucial for understanding market trends in the rapidly evolving world of console gaming.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Pokémon Legends Z-A UK Charts UK Z Pokémon Legends Just Dance 2026 Edition Ubisoft The Game Business Chris Dring GfK