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One of the biggest talking points following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was how Mario Kart World is priced at $80 USD. That's $10-$20 higher than most major AAA games, prompting people to voice their opinions about the price hike. Nintendo isn't charging $80 for all Switch 2 games, but why is it doing so for Mario Kart World?

Serkan Toto of Kantan Games told GI.biz that Nintendo is doing this simply because they can, and any online "uproar" will blow over in time.

"I think they raised software prices across all these regions because they think they can," Toto said. "Nintendo already priced in the protest and uproar by part of the fan base, betting this will all blow off and gamers will come to accept a new normal eventually. And I think they will be correct about this."

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Mario Kart World – Official Gameplay Reveal Trailer | Nintendo Switch 2

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Toto added that Nintendo may have considered wider market trends in factoring in a price for Mario Kart World, including Sony charging $700 for the PS5 Pro and the rumors of GTA 6 costing $100. Toto also mentioned how Nintendo "got away" with charging $70 for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom back in 2023, marking the company's first push to the $70 level.

If you're not convinced that Mario Kart World is worth $80, Nintendo says it will help demonstrate the value of the game during the April 17 Nintendo Direct.

Speaking to GameSpot, Nintendo's Bill Trinen said Nintendo looks at each game on a case-by-case basis when it comes to pricing, which is why Mario Kart World is $80 and some other Nintendo Switch 2 games might cost less.

"We'll look at varying prices and things like that for software based off of just how robust the experience is," Trinen said. "People will get to learn more about that game. And I think that as they start to learn more about that game, they're going to be pretty excited about the content that's offered there."

According to one retailer, video game prices need to go up to maintain the overall stability of the market.

Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 launch title, arriving alongside the system on June 5. Mario Kart World is included with the Switch 2 in a $500 bundle, though some believe the price might go up due to tariffs.