We’ve known a new Mario Kart was coming ever sinceNintendo’s sneak peek at the Switch 2 in January. At the next console’s full Direct in April,not only was that confirmed, but the next Mario Kart game was given a name and shown off properly. The next game in the most successful spinoff series of all time is calledMario Kart World, and it will be released on the same day as the Switch 2 -July 15, 2025.
Those wondering howMario Kart 8 Deluxecould be successfully built upon were given their answer during Nintendo’s first Switch 2 Direct. Mario Kart World will effectively be an open-world game and, judging by some of the deep cuts shown off, will have the biggest roster in the series' history. Even though you’ll have to wait until June to experience it for yourselves, pre-orders will go live any day now. Everything you need to know about securing your copy ahead of release day, including the links to where store pages for World are already live, can be found below.
Where To Pre-Order Mario Kart World
There are two ways you will be able to get your hands on Mario Kart World on and after the Switch 2 has been released. The day-one game is being bundled with the Switch 2, and if you haven’t secured your console yet, you’re able to lock down your bundlethrough our Switch 2 pre-order guide. If you already have your console pre-ordered without the game, or you’d simply like to buy the game separately, then you’re in the right place.
One of the most controversial reveals about the Switch 2 so far has been the confirmation of how much Mario Kart World is going to cost. Yes,the next Mario Kart game will cost $80. Nintendo saw the rest of the industry move on to $70 games while it was mostly stuck selling games for $60 on the original Switch and has breezed right past it. If that price tag doesn’t bother you, links to everywhere you will be able to pre-order Mario Kart World can be found below.
Mario Kart World
WHERE TO PLAY
Hit the open road with Mario and friends! Zip around courses in a vast world where everything is connected. Race along grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, big ol' volcanos, and more—plus everything in between.
$79.99 at Nintendo
$79.99 at Best Buy
$79.00 at Walmart
$79.99 at GameStop
$79.99 at Target
Nintendo Switch Games That Are Getting Switch 2 Upgrades
Outside of the first-party games Nintendo had to show off during its Switch 2 Direct, the biggest reveal software-wise wasthe upgrades some of its original Switch games will be getting on the Switch 2. Four games that have already launched on Switch will be getting paid upgrades, as well as standalone Switch 2 editions, on Nintendo’s next console:Breath of the Wild,Tears of the Kingdom,Kirby and the Forgotten Land, andSuper Mario Party Jamboree.
The Switch 2 upgrades for the Zelda games will be $10 eachif you already own them on Switch, adding visual enhancements, speeding up load times, and granting you access to Zelda Notes in the Nintendo Today app. The Kirby and Mario Party upgrades will likely cost slightly more as they will include the same enhancements (minus the notes) along with additional content.
FAQ
Why Is Mario Kart World $80?
There is no black and white explanation as to why Mario Kart World costs $80. Nintendo simply believes it is worth $80 and hopes people will agree with it once they play it.
Is Mario Kart World A Switch 2 Exclusive?
Yes, Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 exclusive. It cannot be played on the original Switch or any other console.
How Much Is The Switch 2 Going To Cost?
Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 will cost $449.99 in the US, or $499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle. However, those prices could go up afterNintendo delayed pre-orders for the consolegoing live in the US as it assesses the impact of the new tariffs.
