Elden Ring Spinoff Surpasses Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Game Sales in June with $40 Pricing

A recent $40 expansion has unexpectedly outperformed Nintendo’s flagship title for the newly launched Switch 2, despite being just a standalone spinoff of a three-year-old game.

Released on May 30, 2025, Elden Ring: Nightreign is a multiplayer spinoff of FromSoftware’s acclaimed open-world RPG. Just days later, on June 5, 2025, Nintendo launched its next-generation console, the Switch 2, accompanied by the much-anticipated Mario Kart World.

The arrival of Mario Kart World was highly publicized, unveiled during a Nintendo Direct in April, and it played a crucial role in the marketing strategy for the Switch 2. The console was made available at a starting price of $450, or $499 if bundled with MKW.

Spinoff Surpasses a Major Franchise Title

Remarkably, despite the competitive gaming landscape in June, even with major releases like Death Stranding 2, Elden Ring: Nightreign emerged victorious in sales. According to the latest data from Circana, it was the top-selling game in the U. S.during June 2025, while Mario Kart World secured the third position.

This accomplishment is especially noteworthy considering Nightreign’s price point is less than half of the new console bundle. The game sold two million units on its first day and exceeded 3.5 million sales in just five days. With impressive reviews and a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, it has maintained a full-priced model, eschewing microtransactions to cater to gamers’ preferences.

Additionally, Nightreign’s cross-platform availability at just $40 stands in stark contrast to Mario Kart World, which comes attached to a significant $500 investment. This pricing disparity could have influenced player decisions, particularly for those managing the financial implications of upgrading their hardware.

Other noteworthy mentions in the sales chart included Death Stranding 2 occupying second place, and Stellar Blade shooting to fifth place, jumping an impressive 180 spots. Furthermore, Cyberpunk 2077 re-emerged within the top 20, landing at #18, thanks to enticing discounts and enhancements for the next-gen platforms.

Importantly, this strong performance by Elden Ring’s spinoff does not imply that Mario Kart World or the Switch 2 are struggling. Both are experiencing significant success. However, the reception of Nightreign showcases that a strategically priced and well-timed expansion can thrive, even when pitted against Nintendo’s legendary franchises.

The gaming landscape’s future appears to favor flexibility, as players increasingly prioritize their expenditures and gaming backlogs. From expansive RPGs to premium console offerings, players are carefully choosing what best fits their budgets.

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