Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A has cemented its position as a major success, not only by leading Nintendo's game sales in October 2025 but also by contributing significantly to the growth of the console market. Its strong performance, particularly in physical sales, highlights the enduring appeal of the Pok\u00e9mon franchise and the burgeoning demand for the new Nintendo Switch 2, which is setting new benchmarks in hardware sales. The game's impact extends beyond its individual sales figures, playing a crucial role in revitalizing the console market and setting the stage for future releases.
The latest data from industry analyst Mat Piscatella reveals that Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A was the standout performer among Nintendo titles last month, capturing the second spot in the overall US physical game sales chart. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that it excludes digital distribution, suggesting an even broader reach and financial impact. The game's success is intertwined with the impressive launch and continued momentum of the Nintendo Switch 2, which has seen hardware spending surge and is rapidly surpassing its predecessors in adoption rates.
Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A Achieves Top Sales Spot on Nintendo Platforms
In October 2025, Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A secured the top position for sales on Nintendo platforms in the United States, as confirmed by Circana's video game industry analyst Mat Piscatella. This new installment in the beloved series also ranked as the second best-selling physical game overall in the US for the month, surpassed only by EA's Battlefield 6, which also made its debut. The title's strong performance led it to be recognized as the best-selling physical game of the year to date. These impressive figures, however, do not incorporate digital sales, indicating that the game's actual market presence could be even more substantial.
The game's success dethroned Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 from its previous leading spot on Nintendo platforms, with Donkey Kong Bananza maintaining a steady third place. Despite being a physical-only sales analysis, Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A's robust performance underscores its significant impact on the gaming market. Further reinforcing its position, Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, while displaced from the top Nintendo spot, still managed to climb to 13th place in the overall US sales chart, one rank higher than the previous month, illustrating a dynamic and competitive market. The anticipation around the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC for Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A, slated for release on December 10, 2025, for both Switch and Switch 2, suggests that the game's commercial momentum is likely to continue.
Nintendo Switch 2 Boosts Hardware Spending with Record-Breaking Sales
The introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 played a pivotal role in invigorating the video game hardware market in October 2025, driving a substantial 36% increase in spending compared to the previous year, reaching a total of $351 million. The new console, selling 328,000 units in October alone, demonstrated remarkable market penetration and consumer appeal. This strong performance enabled the Switch 2 to effectively counteract a 52% decline in sales for the original Nintendo Switch, showcasing its capability to drive significant growth and maintain Nintendo's market presence.
The Nintendo Switch 2's sales trajectory is particularly impressive, moving 68% faster than the initial sales pace set by the original Nintendo Switch. Furthermore, it has managed to exceed the previous record sales velocity of the PlayStation 4 by 3%, highlighting its exceptional launch and sustained demand. This surge in hardware sales not only benefits Nintendo but also creates a fertile ground for new game releases like Pok\u00e9mon Legends: Z-A, which capitalized on the expanding install base of the new console. The combined success of both the new console and its flagship titles points to a vibrant period for Nintendo in the gaming industry, reinforcing its position as a key player in console innovation and market growth.
