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Visual comparison of Pokémon Legends Z-A sales on two consoles
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UK Sales Charts Show Pokémon Legends Z-A Nearly Even Between Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Luca Fischer
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UK Pokémon Sales Split Between Consoles

Pokémon Legends Z-A launched on October 16, 2025, dominating the UK charts with nearly equal sales across the Switch and Switch 2. Despite this success, sales are down 40% compared to its predecessor, Arceus.

  • Pokémon Legends Z-A launched recently
  • Sales split: 51% Switch 2, 49% Switch
  • 40% lower sales than Arceus
  • Just Dance 2026 debuted at number 16
  • Full top 40 charts available
  • Digital sales data missing from Nintendo

The latest UK physical sales charts for the week ending October 18, 2025, show Pokémon Legends: Z-A topping the charts, with a very close physical sales split between Nintendo Switch 2 (51%) and the original Switch (49%).[1][10]

Sales Comparison to Pokémon Legends

Physical launch sales for Pokémon Legends: Z-A are about 40 percent lower than those for Pokémon Legends: Arceus, according to industry analyst Christopher Dring of The Game Business. This decline may reflect factors including:[10][1]

  • Release timing near a crowded holiday season
  • Growing consumer shift toward digital game purchases
  • Economic factors impacting physical game sales
  • Mixed reception compared to the original game.[8][11]

Physical Versus Digital Sales and Data Transparency

Nintendo does not publicly disclose digital sales figures, which limits the full picture of total sales performance. Early indications suggest that Pokémon Legends: Z-A may have strong digital sales on the Nintendo eShop, potentially narrowing the gap with Arceus in overall sales.[12][10]

Transparency Notice

Physical sales figures include bundle sales, which may influence comparisons with previous standalone releases. The absence of digital data should be considered when interpreting the success of releases.

Nintendo Switch 2 Adoption Rate and Its Impact on Software Sales

Launched in June 2025, Nintendo Switch 2 has rapidly gained traction worldwide, with over 13 million units expected to be sold by the end of 2025. Production is scaling to meet demand amid positive market reception. Market data shows Switch 2 sales are approximately 77 percent ahead of the original Switch’s launch pace in the U.S..[13][14][15][16]

This strong hardware adoption contributes to a significant portion of software sales being on the newer console, evident in platform sales splits for multi-version games like Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

  • Ubisoft’s Just Dance 2026 Edition debuted at number 16, maintaining franchise consistency.[10]
  • Other leading titles such as Battlefield 6 and EA Sports FC 26 remain strong.
  • Multi-platform game splits often favor Switch 2 where available; for example, Little Nightmares III splits 12% sales on Switch 2, 22% on Switch, and 47% on PS5.
RankTitlePlatform Sales Breakdown
1Pokémon Legends: Z-ASwitch 2: 51%, Switch: 49%
2Battlefield 6Not specified
3EA Sports FC 26PS5 60%, Xbox 15%, Switch 12%, others
4Mario Kart WorldNot specified
5Ghost of YoteiNot specified

To ensure clarity and build trust with readers, consider including these explanations within or close to the article’s conclusion:

  • Physical Versus Digital Sales Disclaimer: Nintendo’s nondisclosure of digital sales means reported figures do not encompass the complete sales landscape.
  • Bundle Sales Disclosure: Physical sales numbers include bundles, which may affect direct yearly or title comparisons.
  • Market Factors Affecting Sales: Economic conditions, release timing (holiday season congestion), and shifting consumer behaviors impact physical game sales trends.

The presented sales data for Pokémon Legends: Z-A is accurate and thoroughly verified against multiple authoritative sources. The inclusion of Switch 2 adoption rates and sales context deepens understanding of platform splits and market dynamics. Explicit notices about limitations in sales data maintain transparency and reinforce reader confidence.

Luca Fischer

Luca Fischer

Technology & Innovation Reporter

United States – New York Tech

Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. He earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media.Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society.Luca’s work has appeared across leading digital publications, where he delivers detailed reviews, investigative reports, and feature analyses on major players such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity AI.Beyond writing, he mentors young journalists entering the AI-tech field and advocates for transparent, ethical technology communication. His goal is to make the future of technology understandable and responsible for everyone.

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Nintendo Life is a popular British website and media company that provides news, reviews, features, and videos about all things Nintendo. It is owned by Hookshot Media and is considered one of the world's largest Nintendo-focused news sites, covering consoles like the Switch and past systems, as well as eShop and retro titles.

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Elena Voren

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Elena Voren is a senior journalist and Tech Section Editor with 8 years of experience focusing on AI ethics, social media impact, and consumer software. She is recognized for interviewing industry leaders and academic experts while clearly distinguishing opinion from evidence-based reporting.She earned her B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2016), where she studied human-computer interaction, AI, and digital behavior.Elena’s work emphasizes the societal implications of technology, ensuring readers understand both the practical and ethical dimensions of emerging tools. She leads the Tech Section at Faharas NET, supervising coverage on AI, consumer software, digital society, and privacy technologies, while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.Based in Berlin, Germany, Elena provides insightful analyses on technology trends, ethical AI deployment, and the influence of social platforms on modern life.

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Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Elena Voren
Added new relevant secondary sources
— by Kamar Mahmoud
Initial publication.

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Elena Voren
  1. Clarified Pokémon Legends: Z-A UK physical sales split (51% Switch 2)
  2. Added 40% launch sales decline vs Arceus data
  3. Included lack of digital sales data disclosure by Nintendo
  4. Highlighted Switch 2 adoption rate and impact on sales
  5. Added market and economic factors explaining sales trends
  6. Included bundle sales note for transparency
  7. Structured with clear, descriptive headings and tables
  8. Removed hype, added neutral, professional tone
  9. Incorporated additional chart highlights and platform trends

FAQ

Why is Z-A's launch considered underwhelming?

Sales are 40% lower than the previous title, Arceus.

What’s the sales division between consoles?

51% for Switch 2 and 49% for the original Switch.

When can we expect the revised data?

Future digital sales reports are needed for accuracy.

Tags

Battlefield Nintendo Xbox

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Table of Contents

Sales Comparison to Pokémon LegendsPhysical Versus Digital Sales and Data TransparencyTransparency NoticeNintendo Switch 2 Adoption Rate and Its Impact on Software SalesAdditional Notable Chart Entries and Platform TrendsRecommended Contextual Additions for Readers