Metroid Dread Has the Franchise’s Best Launch in the U.K.

Metroid Dread is the finale to Samus Aran's current character arc, and UK fans apparently can't get enough of it. After opening to nearly universal praise from reviewers, it seems like the sequel's sales complemented its positive word-of-mouth.

As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, the latest installment in the long-running Metroid series is the fastest-selling title in the franchise's history in the U.K.

While no specifics were given on digital sales - publishers rarely offer exact figures for game sales - the Nintendo Switch exclusive is less than 1,000 sales away from the franchise's highest performer to date, Metroid Prime. It's likely Dread has surpassed that figure if one factors in digital sales, but either way, it's the highest grossing game in the series' U.K. sales history.

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Metroid Dread Has The Franchise's Best Launch In The U.K.

It wasn't quite enough to top the charts, though. Dread entered the ranking at no.3, with both FIFA 22 and Far Cry 6 taking 1st and 2nd respectively, and that's even with the yearly football game selling 32% fewer retail copies than its predecessor. Far Cry 6's launch wasn't as impressive, as the sequel sold nearly 70% fewer physical editions than Far Cry 5. However, digital sales are not accounted for so the values could be even greater. Alan Wake Remastered also entered the charts at number five, while Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania rolled into the eighth spot.

Metroid Dread's launch accompanied the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED. The console refresh offers a wider screen, kickstand, and an ethernet port when docked, but generates some some controversy last week after reports emerged about its 4K capabilities.