Pokémon Legends: Z-A Dominates UK Charts with Near-Perfect Sales Split on Switch and Switch 2

The first week’s sales figures are in for the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and the game has stormed to the top of the UK physical charts. More impressively, the data reveals an almost even sales distribution between the original Nintendo Switch and the newly launched ‘Switch 2’, signalling a massive success for Nintendo’s cross-generational strategy.

A Cross-Generational Pokémon Phenomenon

Launching a flagship title across two different generations of hardware is always a delicate balancing act. Developers must cater to the massive install base of the older console while also showcasing the power and potential of the new machine. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak and Nintendo appear to have threaded that needle perfectly. The game’s immediate success on both platforms demonstrates a smooth and successful transition for the UK’s massive Nintendo fanbase.

This release strategy has ensured that no one is left behind. Veteran Switch owners can dive back into the world of Pokémon without an immediate hardware upgrade, while early adopters of the Switch 2 are rewarded with an enhanced experience, making it a must-buy launch title for the new system.

Breaking Down the GfK Sales Data

According to the latest GfK sales data for the UK’s boxed game market, Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s launch was a blockbuster. The figures show a remarkably close split in sales between the two console versions. The new Nintendo Switch 2 accounted for approximately 52% of the physical sales, while the original Nintendo Switch model captured a very strong 48%.

A Healthy Start for Switch 2

This is fantastic news for Nintendo’s new hardware. A near 50/50 split indicates that the Switch 2 has had a very healthy launch week in the region, with Pokémon serving as a key system-seller. It avoids a situation where the older console’s version overwhelmingly cannibalises sales, proving there is a significant appetite for the premium experience on the next-generation console. This strong software attachment rate is a crucial metric for the long-term success of any new console.

The Enduring Allure of Kalos and the Legends Formula

Beyond the hardware story, the game’s success is a testament to the enduring power of the Pokémon brand and the excitement surrounding this particular entry. The return to the Kalos region, first seen in Pokémon X and Y, has been a major talking point for fans for years. Combining this with the celebrated open-world-style gameplay of Pokémon Legends: Arceus created a recipe for success. Key drivers for the game’s phenomenal launch include:

• The re-imagining of the iconic Lumiose City as the central gameplay hub.
• The promise of discovering the secrets behind Mega Evolution.
• A fresh, action-oriented take on the classic Pokémon formula.
• Strong critical reviews praising the game’s ambition and design on both platforms.

A Bright Future for Two Generations

The stellar launch of Pokémon Legends: Z-A in the UK is a win-win for Nintendo. It proves the continued commercial viability of the original Switch while simultaneously cementing its successor as the new, must-have piece of hardware for dedicated fans. As the Switch 2 install base grows, we will likely see the sales balance shift, but for now, Pokémon is a franchise that successfully serves two generations of players at once, dominating the charts in the process.