Mario Kart World Races to the Top of UK Physical Games Chart on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo's latest hit, Mario Kart World, has surged to the top of the UK physical gaming charts this week, reaffirming the company’s dominance in the console space following the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2.

According to data compiled by GfK, Mario Kart World outpaced competitors to claim first place, swiftly surpassing Borderlands 4—last week's chart-topper from developer Gearbox. As the flagship launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World’s performance highlights both the enduring popularity of the franchise and the robust momentum of Nintendo’s newest hardware.

Since its launch, Mario Kart World has received widespread acclaim for refining the beloved formula with new tracks, enhanced visuals, and innovative gameplay that leverages the capabilities of Switch 2.

As industry sales data show, both the game and the console have resonated strongly with UK consumers in physical retail spaces. Former leader Borderlands 4 was displaced, now taking the second spot after a brief stint at the summit.

Despite this, Gearbox’s latest entry in the action-shooter series has seen solid sales and is poised for further success with upcoming updates and releases. Third place remains a Nintendo affair, with Donkey Kong Bananza continuing its impressive streak.

Elsewhere in the top five, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe demonstrates remarkable staying power as the fifth best-selling title—years after its initial debut, testament to Nintendo’s evergreen catalog and continued support for Switch platforms. Several other notable entries made waves this week.

Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter broke into the chart at number 19, with 34% of its physical copies sold on the Nintendo Switch.

This milestone signals the strong appetite for Japanese role-playing titles among the Switch user base and highlights the system’s ongoing appeal for third-party releases. The platform breakdowns within the chart tell a compelling story: prominent cross-generation titles are showing significant shares on both the original Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch 2.

Games like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Hogwarts Legacy are finding audiences across both consoles, underlining Nintendo’s effective hardware transition strategy. Longtime favorites such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land also continue to chart, fueled by sustained demand for physical releases and a steady influx of new hardware owners. Commenting on this week’s chart, GfK’s latest data points to the robust appeal of Nintendo franchises and the early commercial success of Switch 2’s inaugural titles.

With upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations and additional eShop offerings on the horizon, the outlook for Switch software sales remains strong throughout 2024. For the full breakdown of the UK Top 40 games and platform splits—including performance data for titles available across Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation, and Xbox systems—refer to the cumulative chart provided by GfK.

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