Mario Kart World Revealed as Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive; Game Prices Rise up to €90
Nintendo has officially revealed its highly anticipated next-gen console, the Nintendo Switch 2, and along with it, Mario Kart World, the latest installment in the hugely popular Mario Kart series. Notably, this title will launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, leaving behind the original Nintendo Switch console.
During the latest Nintendo Direct event, Nintendo showcased extensive gameplay from Mario Kart World, revealing significant enhancements to the beloved racing series. Notably, races now support up to 24 players simultaneously, significantly expanding on the 12-player races of previous installments. The reveal trailer demonstrated brand-new tracks, innovative kart styles, and gameplay mechanics, including water-based racing, airplane-inspired gliding sections, wall-driving, and the unprecedented freedom to drive "virtually everywhere" off-track towards the finish line.
Additionally, a notable new feature is a free-roam mode reminiscent of open-world racing experiences such as Forza Horizon, allowing players to explore expansive environments freely. New power-ups were also showcased, enabling dramatic gameplay scenarios, such as characters transforming into giants or commandeering powerful vehicles to dominate the competition.
Elevated Console and Game Pricing
Alongside the exciting reveal of Mario Kart World, Nintendo disclosed details regarding the Nintendo Switch 2's pricing through a press release immediately following the Direct. The base model of the console is priced at $449.99, with a special Mario Kart World bundle set at $499.99. European pricing is notably higher, with the base console priced at €469.99, rising to €509.99 for the Mario Kart bundle.
The steep price increase extends to games as well, with the European Nintendo store listing Mario Kart World at an unprecedented €90 for the physical edition and €80 for digital. Another upcoming title, Donkey Kong Bananza, similarly reaches €80 physically, with the digital edition €10 cheaper. These price hikes, first spotted by ResetEra user Xanfrabot, are considerably higher than previous generations, even when accounting for recent industry-wide trends toward higher game pricing.
Nintendo's strategy behind these increases is not yet clear, particularly regarding whether these higher prices will include additional content, such as DLCs or expansions, to justify the added cost. More clarity is expected in upcoming communications from Nintendo, including the special Mario Kart World livestream scheduled for April 17, 2025, at 6am PT/9am ET.
The Nintendo Switch 2 and its Mario Kart World bundle will open for pre-orders on April 9, 2025. Stay tuned to Wccftech for exclusive hands-on impressions and further coverage from our reporter currently attending the ongoing press event.
Will the higher pricing of Nintendo Switch 2 games influence your purchasing decisions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
