Metroid Prime 4 has just launched in the UK and is making waves, landing at number 3 in the charts. It follows Mario Kart World in the top slot and EA Sports FC 26 at number one. Surprisingly, despite its strong debut, sales are 15% lower than those of its predecessor, Metroid Dread.
What caught my eye? The striking performance on the Switch 2. A whopping 83% of Prime 4 sales came from this newer platform. In fact, according to industry analyst Christopher Dring, the drop in overall sales is relatively minor—just a few thousand units off the Metroid Dread figures. It’s a reminder that even well-loved franchises can face challenges in a competitive market.
Analysis of the Top Three Games
The UK’s charts currently highlight a compelling competition amongst gaming titles.
At the top, EA Sports FC 26 continues to maintain its dominance, holding the number one spot with a strong mix of sales across different platforms. Mario Kart World follows closely at second. Metroid Prime 4’s debut at number 3 showcases anticipation among fans. Here’s a glimpse of the top three and their platform splits:
| Game | Platform Split |
|---|---|
| EA Sports FC 26 | PS5 53%, Switch 20%, PS4 10%, Xbox 9%, Switch 2 8% |
| Mario Kart World | N/A |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Switch 2 83%, Switch 17% |
Sales Performance of New Titles
As we look at other game releases, Octopath Traveler 0 debuted in a disappointing 37th place.
Despite launching the same day as Metroid Prime 4, it struggled significantly, primarily selling on the original Switch. Similarly, Assassin’s Creed Shadows improved slightly from the previous week but still fell short compared to the PS5. Here’s a quick look at some recent releases:
- Octopath Traveler 0 at 37
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows at 19
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A at 4
Trends in UK Gaming Sales
This week’s UK charts underscore the ongoing shifts in the gaming industry, especially between generations of consoles.
The substantial shift from the original Switch to the Switch 2 is evident as newer titles gain traction. It’s a fascinating time for gamers, as preferences adapt and technology evolves. The mix of sales from the different platforms reveals the varied gaming landscape.
