Donkey Kong Bananza Leads UK Software Sales Chart in Strong Nintendo Switch Debut

Donkey Kong Bananza has made an emphatic entrance, debuting at number one on the UK software sales chart for the week ending July 19, 2025.

The latest entry in the long-standing Donkey Kong franchise, developed and published by Nintendo, highlights the continued strength of the Nintendo Switch platform and illustrates the enduring appeal of the company’s iconic IPs. Launched exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Bananza outperformed expectations in its first week at retail.

According to industry data, its physical launch sales were three times higher than those of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze’s Switch release.

However, while this robust performance puts the spotlight back on the Donkey Kong series, it also offers context when compared to one of Nintendo’s most celebrated titles: Super Mario Odyssey.

In its launch week, Donkey Kong Bananza sold less than half the volume Super Mario Odyssey achieved during its highly anticipated holiday debut in 2017. Several industry factors contribute to these market dynamics.

Mario’s broader brand recognition, Odyssey’s strategic holiday release period, and differences in the Nintendo Switch’s install base between 2017 and 2025 are all relevant.

The shift toward digital purchases also continues, though the rate of digital adoption on Nintendo Switch in 2025 is reportedly just modestly higher than in 2017, suggesting that physical releases still retain significant market presence on the platform. Nintendo’s success this week is part of a wider narrative reflected on the UK software sales chart.

Following Donkey Kong Bananza in the number two slot is Mario Kart World, also from Nintendo, while perennial favorites like Minecraft and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continue to perform strongly.

Multiplatform blockbusters such as Hogwarts Legacy (Warner Bros.

Interactive), EA Sports FC 25 (Electronic Arts), and Robocop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business (Nacon) round out the top five, underscoring the diversity in player preferences across genres and platforms. Classic titles also maintained their positions on the chart, with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom seeing a notable resurgence, climbing from 23rd to 13th place.

Other Nintendo Switch stalwarts, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Mario Odyssey, remain among the UK’s best-selling games, illustrating the strong long-term engagement of Nintendo’s player base. Looking beyond software sales, this week’s chart highlights the staying power of both new and legacy franchises on Nintendo Switch.

Donkey Kong Bananza’s successful debut demonstrates Nintendo’s continued ability to ignite consumer interest in its classic franchises, while data comparisons with past launches provide valuable insight into shifting market trends and player behavior, especially in an evolving retail and digital gaming landscape. As Donkey Kong Bananza enjoys its first week at the top, all eyes are on how long it can maintain its lead amidst intense competition from both new releases and evergreen titles on Nintendo Switch and other platforms.

For the latest updates on UK gaming charts and Nintendo news, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage.

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