Nintendo defends Switch 2 exclusive Mario Kart World's higher price tag amid controversy

Nintendo has justified the price tag for the Switch 2 exclusive Mario Kart World game after facing controversy for the same. The latest Nintendo Direct event introduced both the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console and the Mario Kart World title. The launch price of the Switch 2 exclusive title sparked debate after the company confirmed that the game will cost $79.99, which is $10 higher than previous Nintendo-published games such as Tears of the Kingdom .

Despite the backlash, Nintendo insists that the price reflects the significant improvements and enhanced gameplay features that come with the new Switch 2 Edition. In addition, bundling the game with the console for $499.99 offers considerable savings. With potential tariff impacts delaying US pre-orders, Nintendo’s pricing strategy is being closely watched as it positions the new game as a premium, innovative offering for fans.


What Nintendo said about Switch 2 exclusive Mario Kart World’s price tag

In an interview with IGN at a recent Switch 2 preview event in New York, Nintendo of America 's VP of product and player experience, Bill Trinen , noted that the price of Mario Kart World is justified. He also highlighted that more details about the game and its features will be unveiled during the upcoming dedicated Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct.

Trinen said: “I would say it's less about the strategy of pricing Mario Kart World, it's more just whenever we look at a given game, we just look at what is the experience, and what's the content, and what's the value?

Mario Kart World, I think especially as you see from the Nintendo Direct, not to give you any hints or anything, but I did read your article this morning and I think you had mentioned that you didn’t find a lot to discover when roaming around. So I would say tune into our Mario Kart Direct to see what, maybe you'll be able to find out about that.

But honestly, this is a game that is so big and so vast and you will find so many little things in it to discover. And there's still some other secrets remaining that I think as people end up buying and playing the game, they're going to find this to be probably the richest Mario Kart experience they've ever had.”