Nintendo Addresses Shocking £75$80 Mario Kart World Price

Nintendo has defended the hefty £75/$80 price tag for Mario Kart World, stating it reflects the "breadth and depth of gameplay" and is an example of "variable pricing." Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America boss, clarified that this higher price does not establish a new benchmark, as evidenced by the lower cost of their other Switch 2 title, Donkey Kong Bananza priced at £65/$70. Mario Kart World can also be obtained at a discount when bundled with a Switch 2, with concerns about stock levels at launch. The anticipated Switch 2 will release globally on June 5, 2025, despite delays in US pre-orders due to tariffs, and reports indicate the return of a beloved location in Mario Kart World that Nintendo has kept secret.

The higher price for Mario Kart World is attributed to its expansive gameplay and features, which Nintendo describes as a manifestation of their "variable pricing" strategy, not a move to set a new standard for game prices.

Mario Kart World serves as a flagship title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to enhance the racing experience with features like 24-player races and new game modes, aiming to rejuvenate the beloved franchise. The game's release is highly anticipated among fans, especially in the context of the ongoing evolution within the gaming landscape. Mario Kart has long been a staple of Nintendo's gaming lineup, bringing its iconic characters and tracks to life, and this latest installment is expected to play a key role in the Switch 2’s success.