Nintendo Switch 2 Breaks Major Launch Tradition

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The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will feature the latest installment of the popular “Mario Kart” series, with “Mario Kart World” being one of the console’s launch games. Given that “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” is currently the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch, it makes sense that the new console would introduce “Mario Kart World” at its debut. What is unexpected, however, is that this release buckles a common trend for Nintendo consoles, making the launch of the Switch 2 particularly noteworthy.

Among fans, much speculation centered around the potential launch titles for the upcoming Switch 2, with many hoping for a new Mario game to debut. While there were strong possibilities of a sequel like Super Mario Odyssey 2 or another mainline 3D Mario title, the unveiling of Mario Kart World and its fresh twist on the kart racing genre is certainly exciting news. Unlike previous Mario Kart games, Mario Kart World will be the first in the series to launch simultaneously with a new Nintendo console on day one for the Nintendo Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Will Be the First Console with a Day-One Mario Kart Launch

How Past Mario Kart Launch Dates Compare to Mario Kart World

Mario Kart Game NA Release Date Console Console NA Release Date
Super Mario Kart Sept 1, 1992 SNES Aug 23, 1991
Mario Kart 64 Feb 10, 1997 N64 Sept 29, 1996
Mario Kart: Super Circuit Aug 27, 2001 GBA June 11, 2001
Mario Kart: Double Dash Nov 17, 2003 GameCube Nov 18, 2001
Mario Kart DS Nov 15, 2005 DS Nov 21, 2004
Mario Kart Wii April 27, 2008 Wii Nov 19, 2006
Mario Kart 7 Dec 4, 2011 3DS Mar 27, 2011
Mario Kart 8 May 30, 2014 Wii U Nov 18, 2012
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe April 18, 2017 Switch Mar 3, 2017
Mario Kart World June 5, 2025 Switch 2 June 5, 2025

In contrast to some Mario Kart games coming out alongside a new Nintendo console, as seen with Mario Kart: Super Circuit for the Game Boy Advance and Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS, the Mario Kart series usually targets a release midway through a console’s lifecycle. While the Mario Kart series is one of Nintendo’s beloved spin-offs, it hasn’t traditionally been considered a system-selling title like the main Mario series. However, the tremendous success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe suggests that Nintendo sees the potential for the franchise to spearhead the launch of Switch 2 and has decided to emphasize Mario Kart World as a key highlight.

In this analysis, we’re not considering and as they don’t align with the mainline games. However, these spin-offs do not influence the pattern of releases in the core series.

Mario Kart World Seems to Be Breaking the Mold for Nintendo in More Ways than One

At the debut of a console, its initial collection of games plays a crucial role in persuading gamers to buy the hardware as soon as it hits the market. The Switch raised the bar with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild alongside it, and for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World will have to create a significant impact to draw fans towards the new console. Given the game’s debatable pricing, this task might prove more challenging than previous launch titles have faced.

Although Mario Kart World boasts an appealing aspect through its open-world driving gameplay, reminiscent of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s style, it might face challenges in cultivating a bustling online racing community, given that it debuts on a new console. This could be particularly challenging due to the higher entry barrier set by the Switch 2’s price point. However, the Switch 2 offers advantages through its novel social features, such as voice chat and screen sharing. These features could make Mario Kart World an attractive option for players looking to connect with each other on the new console at launch, thereby potentially fostering a vibrant online community.

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2025-04-03 05:04