In the realm of European gaming, two giants have risen to the top, leaving their mark on the industry in May. The latest installment in the beloved franchise, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Nintendo Switch, the versatile gaming console, have emerged as market dominant leaders.
Dominance of Zelda and Nintendo Switch in European Games Industry Sales
The release of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has sent shockwaves through the industry, according to GSD data published on GamesIndustry.biz. Software sales have increased 33% over the same period last year. But hardware sales have surged by an impressive 40% since May 2022. These remarkable numbers can be attributed to the new Zelda game's arrival, captivating fans and newcomers alike.
Tears of the Kingdom: The Third-Best Selling Game of 2023
In a short span of time, Tears of the Kingdom has already secured its place as Europe's third best-selling game of 2023, based solely on physical sales data from three weeks. Its phenomenal success puts it in close proximity to the leaders of the pack, FIFA 23 and Hogwarts Legacy. This remarkable achievement positions Tears of the Kingdom as the best-selling boxed game of the year thus far, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.
While Tears of the Kingdom has soared to great heights, it faces stiff competition from other notable contenders in the gaming arena. Hogwarts Legacy, another highly anticipated release, has captured the hearts of fans and demonstrated impressive sales growth. In May alone, Hogwarts Legacy secured the second-best-selling spot, experiencing a staggering 321% surge in sales following the release of its PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions.
Top 20 chart of game sales also welcomed a new entry, Lego 2K Drive, which claimed the 19th position. Although overshadowed by the dominance of Zelda and Hogwarts Legacy, its inclusion indicates the diversity and richness of the gaming market.
In addition to its triumphant software sales, Nintendo Switch also flexed its muscles in the hardware department. Despite excluding data from Germany and the UK, the sales figures revealed an impressive 39% year-over-year increase in Switch sales. This surge helped the console regain its position at the top, surpassing even the mighty PlayStation 5. Despite the PS5 experiencing an 81% rise in sales compared to May 2022, the magic of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom propelled Switch to claim the throne.
On the other hand, Xbox Series X/S sales witnessed a slight dip of 16% year-over-year, reflecting the intense competition between the gaming giants.
United Kingdom witnessed a momentous shift in the gaming landscape as Nintendo Switch, bolstered by the release of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, dethroned the PlayStation 5 from its four-month reign as the best-selling console. The allure of Zelda's latest adventure proved irresistible, captivating players and driving Switch sales to unprecedented heights.
May proved to be a month of triumph for Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Nintendo Switch, as they dominated the European games industry sales. Tears of the Kingdom's outstanding achievement propelled it to the position of Europe's third best-selling game of the year, surpassing numerous competitors in the process. With the Nintendo Switch reclaiming the top-selling console position, it is clear that the combination of Zelda's magic and the Switch's versatility has captured the hearts of gamers across the continent.