Despite being the latest entry in Nintendo’s flagship racing series, Mario Kart World has already experienced a surprising sales challenge. Released on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, the game quickly became one of the console’s most anticipated titles. Millions of players added it to their wishlists, and early sales were promising. However, recent reports show that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the franchise’s eight-year-old installment, has outsold the new game in July 2025, highlighting the challenges even a major new release can face.
Sales Snapshot: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe vs. Mario Kart World
According to industry analyst Mat Piscatella from Circana, physical copy sales in July favored Mario Kart 8 Deluxe over the newer installment. Mario Kart World fell from the top spot among Nintendo titles to sixth place, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe climbed to fourth place. Interestingly, both titles were still surpassed by Donkey Kong Bananza, a recent Switch 2 release praised for its gameplay and accessibility.
One of the most important factors in this unexpected outcome is console availability. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is playable on both the original Switch and the Switch 2, giving it access to nearly 158 million potential users. By contrast, Mario Kart World is exclusive to the Switch 2, a console that has sold only around six million units. Reports suggest that Mario Kart World has sold roughly as many copies as there are Switch 2 consoles, meaning it has already achieved a near one-to-one install rate, which is actually a significant achievement in its own right.
Factors Affecting Mario Kart World’s Sales
Beyond limited console availability, several other factors may have contributed to Mario Kart World’s relative slowdown in sales:
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User Reception: Some fans expressed frustration over missing or altered features, including changes to tracks, characters, or gameplay mechanics.
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Post-Launch Updates: The need for early patches may have impacted the game’s reputation and initial sales momentum.
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Price Point: At $80 USD, Mario Kart World is priced higher than many expected for a launch title on the Switch 2, which may have deterred some buyers.
Despite these challenges, Mario Kart World is still performing strongly in terms of per-console sales, and the title remains highly regarded by players who have already purchased it. With ongoing updates and patches, Nintendo is steadily refining the game, addressing fan concerns, and enhancing the experience.
Looking Ahead
The long-term competition between Mario Kart World and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe promises to be an interesting story. As the Switch 2 user base grows, Mario Kart World could see substantial gains, potentially surpassing older titles in total sales over time. Nintendo’s commitment to supporting both games ensures that fans can expect new content, refinements, and updates for years to come. For now, the contrast between the sales figures of a new-gen game and its eight-year-old predecessor serves as a reminder of how console availability, pricing, and player sentiment all play a major role in a game’s commercial success.