The last couple of weeks have seen the release of several highly-anticipated video games. One of these new titles isMetroid Dread. Thelatest installment in theMetroidseries, this 2D game is set on the planet ZDR and tasks Samus with taking down a new robotic nemesis. The hype surrounding this game before its release was huge, and new sales numbers reveal that its popularity is beginning to pay off for Nintendo.
Recently, new data for video game sales in the UK was released. Among the 10 best-selling games of the week wasMetroid Dread. While the game couldn’t overthrowEA Sports’FIFA 22, Samus Aran’s newest adventure managed to climb to number 3 on the list. An impressive accomplishment for one of Nintendo’s smaller franchises.
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In addition to its number 3 spot on the UK sales chart,Metroid Dreadset a new record for sales in the series. This Switch game now holds the highest-grossing launch in the series’ history, breaking the previous launch sales record held byMetroid Primeon the Nintendo GameCube. WhileMetroid Primesold roughly 1,000 more physical units thanMetroid Dread, these sales figures only represent physical copies sold. It is safe to assume that the amount of copies sold of the Switch game is likely much larger when including digital sales, meaning that the game easily surpasses the 1,000 digital copies needed to beat the UK record.
These impressive sales figures are helped by thepopularity of the Nintendo Switch. With over 86 million units sold since its launch in 2017, the Switch has a much larger amount of potentialMetroidfans compared to some other consoles, such as the GameCube. In addition to breaking this sales record,Metroid Dreadhas sold over three times more copies thanMetroid: Samus Returnsdid at launch on the Nintendo 3DS in 2017. Furthermore, this is the fifth highest-grossing release on the Nintendo Switch this year.
BesidesMetroid Dread, a couple of other new releases managed to break into the UK top 10, such asAlan Wake Remastered. This new version of the original 2010 game that updates the visual presentation has been popular with fans, becoming the fifth best-selling title in the UK. Part of the reason for this increased popularity likely comes from the remastered version’s release on other platforms; the original was an Xbox 360 exclusive. In addition,Super Monkey Ball: Banana Maniaslid into the eighth spot on the list, eclipsing the sales of the previous installment in the series by more than double.
Beyond this 2D adventure,Metroid Prime4is in developmentfor the Switch. Based on these recent sales figures forMetroid Dread, it appears that the launch of that game, whenever it actually happens, could be a big deal as well.
Metroid Dreadis available now for Nintendo Switch.
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