The latest UK software sales chart, tracking retail performance for the week ending January 17, 2026, has been released, offering a comprehensive look at how games are faring across major platforms such as Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PlayStation 5.
Nintendo maintains a commanding presence atop the rankings, bolstered by the continued popularity of its flagship franchises and a stream of chart-dominating titles. This week, 'Mario Kart World' surged to the #1 position, moving up from second place in last week's chart.
This strong showing underscores the enduring appeal of the Mario Kart series on modern hardware, including Nintendo Switch and its successor, Switch 2.
Following closely, 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' experienced a dramatic climb, leaping from #11 up to the #2 spot, further proving the long-term engagement and robust sales the title continues to generate years after its original release. In terms of new releases, 'The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon' made its debut appearance in the chart at #16.
Sales for this latest entry from NIS America were heavily concentrated on PlayStation 5, which accounted for 80 percent of total units sold.
Nintendo Switch captured 9 percent, Switch 2 contributed 7 percent, and PlayStation 4 rounded out the split with 5 percent.
This distribution highlights the diverse multi-platform ecosystem and the shifting preferences among UK consumers for major role-playing game launches. Beyond the top three, Nintendo consolidated its dominance with several first-party staples such as 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A,' 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,' and 'Donkey Kong Bananza' consistently performing well.
Third-party standouts, including 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' from Activision Blizzard and 'EA Sports FC 26' from Electronic Arts, also secured top-ten placements, showcasing the competitive landscape among global publishers. A full review of the chart demonstrates how legacy titles remain vital to the UK market.
Classic favorites like 'Minecraft,' 'Grand Theft Auto V,' and 'The Witcher III: Wild Hunt Complete Edition' all persist within the upper echelons, with both recent and older franchises finding new life on platforms such as the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store. Nintendo’s presence reflects a combination of hardware accessibility, innovative gameplay experiences, and consistent release support.
Industry analyst comments have previously emphasized this staying power, noting that software sales on Switch and Switch 2 continue to drive overall momentum for the company in European markets.
An analyst summarized the situation, explaining that a mix of evergreen properties and timely new releases is 'keeping Nintendo's brand front and center in the weekly charts.' Looking ahead, as more blockbuster releases target multiple platforms and digital stores like the eShop and PlayStation Store expand their offerings, competition for chart dominance will only intensify.
For now, Nintendo's 'Mario Kart World' sits undisputed at the summit, having secured another successful lap in the ever-evolving UK games marketplace. For ongoing insights and historical trends, readers can continue following our comprehensive UK software sales coverage each week.
Nintendo maintains a commanding presence atop the rankings, bolstered by the continued popularity of its flagship franchises and a stream of chart-dominating titles. This week, 'Mario Kart World' surged to the #1 position, moving up from second place in last week's chart.
This strong showing underscores the enduring appeal of the Mario Kart series on modern hardware, including Nintendo Switch and its successor, Switch 2.
Following closely, 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' experienced a dramatic climb, leaping from #11 up to the #2 spot, further proving the long-term engagement and robust sales the title continues to generate years after its original release. In terms of new releases, 'The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon' made its debut appearance in the chart at #16.
Sales for this latest entry from NIS America were heavily concentrated on PlayStation 5, which accounted for 80 percent of total units sold.
Nintendo Switch captured 9 percent, Switch 2 contributed 7 percent, and PlayStation 4 rounded out the split with 5 percent.
This distribution highlights the diverse multi-platform ecosystem and the shifting preferences among UK consumers for major role-playing game launches. Beyond the top three, Nintendo consolidated its dominance with several first-party staples such as 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A,' 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,' and 'Donkey Kong Bananza' consistently performing well.
Third-party standouts, including 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' from Activision Blizzard and 'EA Sports FC 26' from Electronic Arts, also secured top-ten placements, showcasing the competitive landscape among global publishers. A full review of the chart demonstrates how legacy titles remain vital to the UK market.
Classic favorites like 'Minecraft,' 'Grand Theft Auto V,' and 'The Witcher III: Wild Hunt Complete Edition' all persist within the upper echelons, with both recent and older franchises finding new life on platforms such as the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Store. Nintendo’s presence reflects a combination of hardware accessibility, innovative gameplay experiences, and consistent release support.
Industry analyst comments have previously emphasized this staying power, noting that software sales on Switch and Switch 2 continue to drive overall momentum for the company in European markets.
An analyst summarized the situation, explaining that a mix of evergreen properties and timely new releases is 'keeping Nintendo's brand front and center in the weekly charts.' Looking ahead, as more blockbuster releases target multiple platforms and digital stores like the eShop and PlayStation Store expand their offerings, competition for chart dominance will only intensify.
For now, Nintendo's 'Mario Kart World' sits undisputed at the summit, having secured another successful lap in the ever-evolving UK games marketplace. For ongoing insights and historical trends, readers can continue following our comprehensive UK software sales coverage each week.
