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

However, early NielsenIQ data reported by The Game Business shows Switch 2's UK launch sales trailed behind PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S performances.

While official Switch 2 sales totals remain undisclosed, estimates suggest numbers exceeding the 113,000 units sold by Nintendo 3DS during its 2011 UK launch. Reports indicate Switch 2 nearly doubled the supply-limited Switch 1's 2017 debut of 80,000 units.

Nintendo successfully avoided the hardware shortages that plagued both Switch 1 and Wii UK launches, where consumers previously faced weeks-long waits for new consoles.

Why hasn't Switch 2 outperformed PS4, Xbox Series X/S, or even stock-strapped PS5 in the UK? The Game Business notes Britain has historically been challenging terrain for Nintendo, with Sony and Microsoft consoles maintaining stronger market penetration.

The UK's high multi-platform ownership creates more balanced competition, unlike markets where Nintendo (Japan) or PlayStation (elsewhere) typically dominate.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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The Switch 2's UK pricing remains noteworthy - £395.99 standalone or £429.99 bundled with Mario Kart World - positioning it at a premium price point.

Wccftech recently reported unverified French launch data suggesting Switch 2 sold 200,000 units there, doubling PS5's record. Mario Kart World reportedly achieved an extraordinary 95% attach rate among French Switch 2 owners.

Nintendo projects 15 million global Switch 2 sales and 45 million game sales by March 2026, though analysts consider these estimates cautious. The company aims to match its groundbreaking first Switch launch.

For players starting Mario Kart World, unlocking Mirror Mode secrets – including Free Roam exploration via a clever Super Mario 64 callback – offers exciting gameplay discoveries.