Donkey Kong Bananza Hits No. 1 in UK Boxed Sales, Yet Falls Short of Mario Odyssey’s Numbers

In a thrilling turn of events, Donkey Kong Bananza has smashed its way to the top of the UK boxed sales charts, claiming the number one spot and proving that the iconic ape still has a few tricks up his sleeve. This impressive feat is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Donkey Kong franchise, which has been a staple of the gaming world for decades. With its innovative gameplay and charming characters, Donkey Kong Bananza has clearly resonated with UK gamers, who have flocked to stores to get their hands on a physical copy of the game. The latest UK charts also reveal that fellow Switch 2 exclusive Mario Kart World has taken the second spot, while Hogwarts Legacy and EA Sports FC 25 round out the top five. Notably, Robocop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business, a newly released expandalone, has also made a strong debut, with our own Ian drawing comparisons to the intense action of "The Raid: The Video Game". Meanwhile, Death Stranding 2, which debuted at number one just a few weeks ago, has slipped to 18th place, making way for the new crop of releases. According to industry expert Chris Dring, Donkey Kong Bananza's physical sales have been impressive, with three times the sales of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on the original Switch. While digital sales continue to rise, many Nintendo owners still prefer the tactile experience of physical media, and it's clear that Donkey Kong Bananza has benefited from this trend. Our own review of the game praised its "brilliant core mechanic and clever design twists", which make for a "delightfully sticky 3D platform adventure" with a sweet central character relationship at its heart. With a four-star rating from Eurogamer, it's no wonder that gamers are eager to get their hands on a copy. For those who have already started playing, our Guides team has put together a handy guide to the best skills in Donkey Kong Bananza, helping players to navigate the game's challenges and get the most out of their experience. The success of Donkey Kong Bananza is also a testament to the power of Nintendo's Switch 2 console, which continues to attract gamers with its innovative releases and exclusive titles. As Christian Donlan noted in his recent feature, Donkey Kong Bananza's "glitchy visual weirdness" is a hallmark of Nintendo's confident approach to gameplay, which prioritizes fun and creativity over graphical polish. This approach has clearly paid off, with Donkey Kong Bananza winning over the hearts of gamers and critics alike. While the game's sales may not have quite reached the heights of Super Mario Odyssey, which launched to huge numbers in 2017, it's worth noting that the gaming landscape has changed significantly since then, with digital sales and shifting release schedules affecting the way we consume games. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's clear that physical sales still have a significant role to play, particularly for Nintendo owners who value the collector's aspect of gaming. With Donkey Kong Bananza's success, it's likely that we'll see more physical releases from Nintendo in the future, catering to the demands of gamers who prefer to own a tangible copy of their favorite games. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, Donkey Kong Bananza is certainly worth checking out, with its engaging gameplay and charming characters making it a must-play experience for anyone looking for a fun and challenging adventure. In conclusion, Donkey Kong Bananza's rise to the top of the UK boxed sales charts is a significant achievement, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Donkey Kong franchise and the power of Nintendo's Switch 2 console. With its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and physical sales success, Donkey Kong Bananza is a game that will continue to delight gamers for weeks to come, and its impact on the gaming industry will be felt for a long time to come.