Switch 2 UK Sales Hit Record, But Trails PS5, Xbox X/S

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The Nintendo Switch 2 has become the company's most successful UK console launch in history, according to early sales figures, surpassing the previous record held by the Nintendo 3DS.

However, the Switch 2's UK launch sales still trailed behind PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S performance in the region, as reported by The Game Business citing NielsenIQ data.

While Nintendo hasn't released official sales numbers, estimates suggest the Switch 2 outperformed both the 3DS (113,000 UK units sold in 2011) and the supply-limited original Switch (over 80,000 UK units in 2017) by significant margins - reportedly more than doubling the first Switch's launch figures.

Nintendo successfully avoided the severe hardware shortages that plagued both the original Switch and Wii UK launches, where customers faced extended waiting periods. The company implemented better supply chain management for the Switch 2 release.

The sales gap between Switch 2 and competing consoles can be attributed to the UK market's historical preference for PlayStation and Xbox systems. Unlike Japan (where Nintendo dominates) or other PlayStation-favored regions, the UK sees more balanced competition among all three major console manufacturers.

The Switch 2's UK pricing may also impact its performance, with standard models priced at £395.99 (without Mario Kart World) and £429.99 (bundled with the game). Recent reports from France suggest outstanding performance in other markets, with alleged sales of 200,000 units at launch - doubling PS5's record - and a remarkable 95% attach rate for Mario Kart World.

Nintendo projects global sales of 15 million Switch 2 consoles and 45 million game units by March 2026, though analysts consider these targets conservative. The company aims to match the original Switch's successful launch trajectory.

For players new to Mario Kart World, various guides exist to help unlock hidden features like Mirror Mode and special Free Roam capabilities inspired by classic Super Mario 64 secrets.