Pokemon Legends: Z-A Dominates UK Charts with Strong Nintendo Switch 2 Sales

Pokemon Legends: Z-A, the latest release from acclaimed developer Game Freak, has made a remarkable debut atop the UK sales charts, highlighting its immediate impact on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Launched with anticipation following its reveal in a recent Nintendo Direct, the game signals a strong continuation of the Pokémon franchise's dominance on Nintendo platforms. According to Christopher Dring, editor at The Game Business, Pokemon Legends: Z-A entered the UK charts at the prestigious No.1 spot shortly after release.

Dring also reported that the title achieved this milestone despite its physical launch sales coming in 40% lower than its predecessor, Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

Notably, more than half—specifically, 51%—of Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s initial sales were attributed to the Nintendo Switch 2 version, underlining the hardware’s growing momentum among Nintendo fans. Dring clarified that the sales figures for Pokemon Legends: Z-A include units sold as part of Nintendo Switch 2 console bundles, a common industry practice that can significantly boost early sales numbers.

This performance establishes Pokemon Legends: Z-A as the second highest-selling Nintendo Switch 2 game of the year in the UK, trailing only the widely successful Mario Kart World. The Nintendo Switch 2 has quickly become a focal point for major first-party releases, and the strong performance of Pokemon Legends: Z-A on the platform reflects both the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise and the robust install base eager for new experiences.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is available both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop, expanding its reach across new and existing Nintendo Switch hardware. Game Freak’s continued partnership with Nintendo has yielded some of the best-selling titles in the company’s history.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus, released previously for Nintendo Switch, set a high bar with notable initial sales and critical acclaim.

With Pokemon Legends: Z-A, the developer further demonstrates its ability to captivate a dedicated fan base while adapting to new hardware innovations. The successful launch of Pokemon Legends: Z-A reinforces Nintendo’s strategy of leveraging strong first-party titles to drive platform adoption and sales.

As the year progresses, industry observers will be watching closely to see how the title performs in comparison to other Nintendo blockbusters, as well as its ongoing impact on Nintendo Switch 2 hardware momentum. For fans and analysts alike, the rise of Pokemon Legends: Z-A in the UK charts is a clear sign that Nintendo’s latest hardware and its flagship franchises remain influential forces in the global gaming landscape.

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