Nintendo Switch Sales Has Surged in the UK for Pokémon
According to shared retail data from the UK, Nintendo Switch sales spiked 75% leading into the launch of Pokémon Sword and Shield and remained 30% above average beyond the launch of the new generation of Pokémon. In total, almost 90,000 Switch machines have been sold in the UK so far this month which is expected to lead the hybrid console to end the PlayStation 4’s title of bestselling console. Nintendo has which sold six titles in the UK Physical Top Ten this month, including console exclusives Pokémon Sword & Shield which rounded out the top three.
Gamesindustry.biz has been told by retailers that they’re currently running a series of Switch promotions, with more to follow around Black Friday which will likely keep the console sales steady. Pokémon Sword and Shield became the biggest Nintendo Switch launch to date which beats last year’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It’s no big surprise that Pokémon is selling so well in the UK as the games region represents various parts of Europe, including the UK and the culture of these areas are well represented in the games as well.
The launch of Pokémon Sword and Shield is the third biggest Nintendo launch in UK history, behind Wii Fit and Pokémon Sun and Moon, which is slightly surprising as the region of Alola is based off of the islands of Hawaii. It’s likely with Switch sales spiking for Pokemon that many gamers were waiting for the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield to buy a Nintendo Switch. Surprisingly though, it isn’t the special edition Pokémon Sword and Shield themed Switch Lite that’s driving sales, but the standard gen 2 Switch console with the improved battery life.
Are you a gamer who finally got a Nintendo Switch for Pokémon Sword and Shield or do you have no interest in the hybrid platform? Are you surprised that Pokémon took Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s place for the best Switch launch? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Gamesindustry