The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Achieves Record-Breaking Launch in the UK

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has secured the largest boxed video game launch of the year in the UK, according to GfK. This launch also represents Nintendo's second-highest revenue-generating release in UK history, surpassed only by Wii Fit in 2008. However, if the cost of the Balance Board is excluded, Tears of the Kingdom takes the top spot as the biggest Nintendo release by revenue. In terms of unit sales, the game trails behind Wii Fit and the combined sales of Pokémon games, specifically Sun and Moon, and Scarlet and Violet. The game's opening week sales surpass those of Hogwarts Legacy by over 50%, although this figure only accounts for boxed sales. It's worth noting that Hogwarts Legacy had a strong digital launch, and since Switch digital sales typically lag behind other platforms, it's unclear whether Tears of the Kingdom has outsold Hogwarts Legacy overall, as Nintendo does not share digital data with chart companies. Tears of the Kingdom has experienced the most successful Zelda launch in history, with sales exceeding those of Breath of the Wild by more than 2.7 times. It has already become the eighth best-selling Zelda game of all time, surpassing Skyward Sword and The Wind Waker. In revenue terms, it ranks as the fourth most successful Zelda game, following Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild. Although it falls short of being the largest Switch launch, its opening week sales were only 12% lower than those of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. However, in revenue terms, Tears of the Kingdom is the most successful Switch release, with an 8% increase over Scarlet and Violet, largely due to the popularity of a limited edition that retailed for over £100. The success of Tears of the Kingdom has also boosted sales of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, which saw a 31% increase in boxed sales and now ranks eighth in the charts. Outside of the Zelda series, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 is the only other new entry in the charts, debuting at number 31. Hogwarts Legacy, which previously held the top spot, has dropped to second place with a 68% decline in sales. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has fallen to third place, with sales down 50%, while FIFA 23 has risen to fourth place with a 43% increase in sales. Mario Kart 8: Deluxe has dropped to fifth place, with sales remaining steady. Dead Island 2 has fallen three places to sixth, with sales down 51%.