UK Switch Game Sales: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Remains Strong Amid Switch 2 Anticipation

In the wake of last week's major revelations about the highly anticipated Switch 2, the UK video game landscape is seeing a noticeable shift.

With attention increasingly turning to Nintendo’s upcoming hardware, current-generation Nintendo Switch software sales have experienced a moderate slowdown—an expected development as players and retailers focus on what’s next for the beloved platform. Despite this, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be a significant force in the UK charts, holding steady at sixth place for the week.

The title’s persistent success highlights Nintendo’s enduring appeal and its ability to keep flagship titles relevant years after their initial release.

Since its launch in 2017, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has become a staple of the Nintendo Switch library, consistently securing a spot among the best-selling Switch games worldwide.

As of March 2024, the game has sold over 60 million copies, cementing its status as both a commercial and cultural phenomenon for Nintendo. Meanwhile, Minecraft on Switch maintains its traction in the charts, buoyed in part by strong cross-media performance, including renewed public interest following the Minecraft movie’s box office run.

Minecraft’s staying power is a testament to Mojang’s enduring vision and Nintendo’s knack for fostering long-term engagement within the eShop ecosystem. However, not all Nintendo releases are seeing positive momentum.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, the latest entry in Monolith Soft’s acclaimed RPG series, has dropped to 34th place this week, continuing a downward trend since its release.

The performance contrasts sharply with the successes of other first-party titles, underscoring the competitive nature of the current UK market. Other key Nintendo Switch titles in the top 40 include Super Mario Party Jamboree at 10th, Super Mario Bros.

Wonder at 11th, Nintendo Switch Sports holding at 15th, and enduring favorites such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Pokémon Violet making their mark.

Multi-platform titles like Sonic Superstars and Hogwarts Legacy also continue to achieve significant sales on Nintendo Switch, demonstrating the console’s robust third-party support. As the industry anticipates Switch 2’s arrival and upcoming releases like Mario Kart World, the current charts offer a snapshot of an evolving Nintendo marketplace.

Industry analyst data compiled by GfK reinforce that, even with hardware transitions on the horizon, the Nintendo Switch and its flagship titles remain key players in game retail. The complete UK top 40 software chart, including breakdowns by platform, can be found via official GfK reports.

For dedicated Switch fans and observers of the ever-changing UK game market, these rankings provide valuable insights into player preferences, franchise longevity, and what’s next for Nintendo.

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