Donkey Kong Bananza Tops UK Sales, Trails Mario Odyssey
▼ Summary
– Donkey Kong Bananza tops the UK physical video game sales chart this week, followed by Mario Kart World and Hogwarts Legacy in second and third place.
– Physical sales for Donkey Kong Bananza were three times higher than Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze but half of Super Mario Odyssey’s launch sales.
– Nintendo Switch 2 owners still prefer physical media despite the growing trend of digital game purchases.
– Eurogamer’s review praises Donkey Kong Bananza for its core mechanics, design, and character dynamics, awarding it four stars.
– Guides and features are available to help players navigate Donkey Kong Bananza, including tips on best skills and appreciation of its unique visual style.
The UK gaming charts have a new champion this week, with Donkey Kong Bananza swinging to the top spot in physical sales. Nintendo’s latest platformer outperformed expectations, outselling its predecessor while facing stiff competition from other major releases.
Mario Kart World secured second place, proving the enduring popularity of Nintendo’s racing franchise, while Hogwarts Legacy maintained a strong presence in third. The rest of the top five included EA Sports FC 25 and Robocop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business, the latter praised for its intense action-packed gameplay. Meanwhile, Death Stranding 2, which previously debuted at number one, has slipped to 18th, a testament to the fierce competition in the current market.
Industry analyst Chris Dring revealed that Donkey Kong Bananza’s physical sales tripled those of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on the original Switch. However, it still fell short of Super Mario Odyssey’s launch numbers, selling roughly half as many copies. This discrepancy can be partly attributed to timing, Odyssey launched in October 2017, when the Switch had already gained momentum, whereas Bananza arrived in July, a traditionally slower period for game sales.
Despite the growing shift toward digital purchases, Dring noted that Nintendo fans continue to favor physical copies, keeping boxed retail relevant. The game itself has been widely praised, with critics highlighting its inventive mechanics and charming character dynamics. Eurogamer’s review described it as “a delightfully sticky 3D platform adventure,” awarding it four stars for its clever design and engaging gameplay.
For players diving into Bananza, guides are available to help navigate its vibrant world, including tips on the best skills to master early on. Meanwhile, Christian Donlan’s recent feature celebrates the game’s quirky visual style, calling it a bold showcase of Nintendo’s confidence in prioritizing fun above all else.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, Donkey Kong Bananza’s success signals another strong entry in Nintendo’s lineup, blending nostalgia with fresh innovation.
(Source: EUROGAMER)
