Nintendo is gearing up for the launch of its highly anticipated console, the Nintendo Switch 2, set to hit the shelves on June 5, 2025. This new console will debut with a significant title: Mario Kart World, marking a notable departure from previous Nintendo console launches.
With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe having dominated sales charts as the highest-selling game on the original Switch, the decision to feature Mario Kart World as a launch title is both exciting and strategic. Traditionally, Nintendo has followed a pattern where major titles like Mario Kart would release later in a console’s lifecycle. However, the Switch 2 is set to break this mold, making Mario Kart World the first game in the franchise to launch on day one with a new console.
During a recent Nintendo Direct, the company revealed that the Switch 2 will retail for $449.99, with pre-orders starting on April 9. The console package will include the new L+R Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Joy-Con 2 Grip, straps, a dock, an AC adapter, a USB-C charging cable, and an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable. Additionally, a bundle featuring the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99, although this bundle only includes a download code for the game, not a physical copy.
The Switch 2 promises impressive hardware upgrades, boasting a 7.8-inch LCD screen with full-HD resolution (1920 × 1080 pixels), support for 120 frames per second, and HDR capabilities. The internal storage has also seen a significant boost from the original Switch’s 32 GB to 256 GB. Notably, the console can output 4K resolution with HDR through its new dock, which also features a built-in fan for improved cooling.
In addition to its hardware enhancements, the Switch 2 introduces new social features, including voice chat and screen sharing, which could enhance the multiplayer experience in Mario Kart World. The game itself is expected to feature up to 24 racers, the highest number in the series, and will allow players to race anywhere while participating in tours that span entire regions.
However, the excitement surrounding Mario Kart World has been tempered by its price tag. At $79.99, it marks a significant increase in the cost of AAA games, raising concerns among fans about the implications for future game pricing. Analysts have suggested that this price hike could be a response to rising manufacturing costs, tariffs, and the overall inflationary climate affecting the gaming industry. Joost van Dreunen, a professor at NYU Stern, referred to the pricing as a "strategic balancing act" on Nintendo's part, reflecting the need to maintain profit margins amid rising costs.
Critics have expressed mixed feelings about the $80 price point for Mario Kart World. While some believe the game’s built-in audience will support the price, others worry that it could alienate more budget-conscious consumers, particularly families who may find entertainment budgets tighter in today’s economy. This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, who noted that while the hardware price may be acceptable for many, the rising cost of games could deter a broader audience.
In addition to Mario Kart World, several other titles will also carry the $80 price tag, including upgraded versions of popular games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Party Jamboree. Interestingly, the Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be priced at $70, while the new 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza will launch at $70 as well.
As the launch date approaches, Nintendo has scheduled a dedicated Direct for April 17, 2025, where more details about Mario Kart World and other upcoming titles will be revealed. This event is expected to provide fans with deeper insights into the gameplay mechanics and features of the new racing title.
The anticipation surrounding the Switch 2 and its launch titles reflects the significant impact that Nintendo has had on the gaming industry. With 146 million units sold, the original Switch is one of the most successful gaming consoles of all time, trailing only behind the Nintendo DS family and the PlayStation 2. However, sales have slowed recently, indicating that many fans have been eagerly awaiting a successor.
As Nintendo prepares for the launch, the company is betting on the strength of its franchises and the appeal of the new console's features to drive early adoption. With the Switch 2's price point and the new game pricing structure, it remains to be seen how consumers will respond in the long run. Will the combination of nostalgia, innovative gameplay, and upgraded technology be enough to entice gamers to invest in the next generation of Nintendo hardware? Only time will tell.
