Nintendo Switch 2 games are set to be more expensive than you may expect (2025)

Nintendo is testing the waters with Mario Kart World sporting an eye-watering price tag at launch

Excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 has reached fever pitch as the company has finally shown off the new console in detail, and given us a release date to boot. Even better, we know exactly which new games to expect for the upcoming console with Mario Kart World releasing on the same day as the hardware, exclusive to the new Switch 2 console.

However, while Nintendo didn't discuss the price of Mario Kart World during the presentation, new information has come to light that confirms some gamers worst nightmares. Instead of costing the usual £59.99 that gamers have grown accustomed to paying for new Nintendo games, the price for Mario Kart World has jumped up to £74.99.

That's if you're looking to buy the physical edition, that is. A digital version of Mario Kart World will be sold on the Nintendo eShop for £66.99, a whole £8 cheaper.

The price increase is a significant step up, and likely a gamble from Nintendo as it tests the waters on what consumers are willing to pay for their video games. With Mario Kart historically being one of the publisher's best-selling series, it seems prime for Nintendo to trial the new price tag on its flasgship title.

The good news is that you can get Mario Kart World cheaper if you purchase it bundled in with a brand new Nintendo Switch 2 console. A standalone Switch 2 will set you back £395.99, while a Mario Kart World Bundle will be £429.99.

That essentially means you're getting the new game for £34, around half the price of a standalone copy. However, the version included in the bundle is the digital version.

Generally, I've always found it useful to buy the physical versions of Nintendo games wherever possible. They hold their value extremely well, meaning you can trade them in once you've finished playing to recoup a lot of what you initially spend.

With the digital versions of Nintendo games starting to run a fair chunk cheaper than their physical counterparts, it appears that the publisher might be trying to push players towards purchasing digital goods rather than physical ones. After all, Nintendo makes far less on the second-hand market and 100% of the revenue from its own digital storefronts.

Gamers haven't taken kindly to the news of Mario Kart World's pricing with it already forming the punchline of several jokes on the Nintendo Switch 2 subreddit. One post reads: "During the 04.02.2025 Nintendo Switch 2 direct, the following image of the home screen was revealed, with only one game present. This is a reference to the fact that the fan base will only be able to afford one game."

Another post implores gamers to 'vote with their wallet', reminding them that Nintendo was previously forced to reduce the price of the Nintendo 3DS shortly after launch. Initially intended to retail for $249.99, that console was eventually reduced to $169.99 after six months following disappointing sales numbers.

It's not all bad news, though. While Mario Kart World will retail at the inflated £74.99, other first party Nintendo titles will be sold for a lower price.

As reported by VGC, Donkey Kong Bananza will retail for £66.99 in its physical form, while the digital edition will set players back £58.99. These are still inflated prices over what we've come to expect from Nintendo, but it's a little more in line with the likes of Sony and Microsoft when it comes to first-party titles.

What we're really interested in seeing is how Microsoft and Sony react to Nintendo's new pricing structure. It's long been rumoured that the likes of Grand Theft Auto 6 could come in with a price much higher than the £70 we'd typically expect for a brand new game of its calibre.

There's potential for this move to give 2K the confidence to slap a much higher price tag on GTA 6 with other publishers following suit soon after. Time will tell, though - for now, all eyes are on Nintendo as we await to see if pricing Mario Kart World at £74.99 prices some gamers out of the market.

Both Mario Kart World and the Nintendo Switch 2 will become available to pre-order from April 8. Here are the retailers you should consider bookmarking for when the time comes:

Mario Kart World

• Amazon - Pre-order Mario Kart World here.
• Currys - Pre-order Mario Kart World here.
• GAME - Pre-order Mario Kart World here.
• John Lewis - Pre-order Mario Kart World here.
• Very - Pre-order Mario Kart World here.
• Smyths Toys - Pre-order Mario Kart World here.

Nintendo Switch 2

• Amazon - Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 here.
• Currys - Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 here.
• GAME - Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 here.
• John Lewis - Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 here.
• Very - Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 here.
• Smyths Toys - Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 here.