Title: Nintendo Switch 2 Debuts with Expensive Mario Kart World and Rising Game Prices
Nintendo enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated the launch of the next-generation console, and that anticipation is coming to an end. The Nintendo Switch 2 officially arrives on June 5, 2025, with a selling price of $449.99. In conjunction with the console’s rollout, Nintendo is introducing one of its key titles, Mario Kart World — albeit with a noteworthy twist: a much higher price tag.
Mario Kart World: A High Price for an Exceptional Experience?
Mario Kart World, the newest edition in the cherished racing series, will be priced at $79.99 for a digital copy within the United States. This signifies a significant rise from prior Nintendo game costs. To provide context, most first-party Nintendo Switch titles since 2017 have been introduced at $59.99, with the exception of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which ventured into $69.99 territory.
At $79.99, Mario Kart World stands as Nintendo’s priciest digital game released so far. Although the company hasn’t confirmed whether this will set a new precedent, it has certainly caught the attention of fans and industry experts.
Not All Games Share the Same Price: Different Pricing Structures
Notably, not every Nintendo Switch 2 game will flaunt the same high pricing. Donkey Kong Bananza, another first-party game announced alongside Mario Kart World, will be released at $69.99 — more in line with the pricing strategies seen on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
This implies that Nintendo might implement a tiered pricing approach for its Switch 2 games, where headline titles like Mario Kart World demand premium prices, while others remain at the now-familiar $69.99.
Physical vs. Digital: Price Variations by Region
In Europe, the pricing gap between digital and physical copies is even more notable. On Nintendo España’s official site, Mario Kart World is priced at €79.99 for a digital version and €89.99 for a physical one. Donkey Kong Bananza follows similar pricing, listed at €69.99 digitally and €79.99 in physical form.
These regional price differences could be indicative of heightened production and distribution expenses for physical copies or simply a tactical pricing strategy by Nintendo to promote digital purchases.
Third-Party Titles Likely to Align
Though Nintendo has not yet announced official pricing for third-party Switch 2 games, industry patterns suggest that $69.99 will serve as the standard for most significant releases. Anticipated titles such as Elden Ring, Borderlands 4, and Star Wars Outlaws are expected to launch on the Switch 2, and it’s probable they will align with pricing seen on other current-generation consoles.
Bundle Offers Provide Some Savings
For gamers looking to economize on the new Mario Kart offering, Nintendo has a Switch 2 bundle available that includes a digital version of Mario Kart World for $499.99. This bundle effectively reduces the game cost by $30, making it a more appealing choice for early adopters.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Nintendo Gaming
With the introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2, the gaming titan is evidently indicating a change in its pricing model. While the console itself is competitively priced at $449.99, the heightened costs of prominent games like Mario Kart World may signal a shift in future offerings. As the gaming landscape continues to change, Nintendo seems poised to sync more closely with the pricing structures of its rivals — for better or for worse.
Gamers excited to experience the latest hardware and software should brace themselves for a pricier outing, but one that promises top-tier performance, enhanced visuals, and new gameplay opportunities. Whether the inflated price points will be warranted remains to be determined — but for now, the competition is underway.
