In a surprising twist, Mario Kart World has been outsold by its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, during July 2025. While the competition between the two titles may not be entirely fair, the result highlights just how strong the eight-year-old racing game remains.
Released on June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World launched as one of the biggest exclusives for the Nintendo Switch 2. It quickly became a system-seller, topping wishlists and reaching impressive sales milestones. However, new data shows that sales momentum has slowed, allowing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to reclaim dominance in Nintendo’s charts.
According to industry analyst Mat Piscatella of Circana, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe outsold Mario Kart World in physical sales last month. His report notes that Mario Kart World dropped from first to sixth place among Nintendo’s top-selling games, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe climbed to fourth. Both titles, however, were overshadowed by the Switch 2’s critically acclaimed hit, Donkey Kong Bananza.
Why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Still Wins
One key reason for the sales gap is the install base. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is playable on both the original Switch and the Switch 2, giving it access to nearly 158 million players. In contrast, Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 exclusive, limited to the console’s six million users so far. Interestingly, reports suggest that nearly every Switch 2 owner has purchased Mario Kart World, meaning the game is still a financial success.
Another factor is fan reception. While Mario Kart World introduced new visuals and mechanics, many players were frustrated by revamped or missing features, as well as a controversial post-launch update. Its premium $80 USD price point also proved to be a barrier for some, especially given the higher-than-expected cost of the Switch 2 itself.
Meanwhile, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to benefit from years of refinements, expansions, and a broader audience. Its more polished gameplay and lower entry cost make it an attractive option, even in 2025.
What’s Next for Mario Kart World?
Despite being outsold, the future looks promising for Mario Kart World. As the Switch 2’s user base grows, the game is expected to sell millions more copies and eventually catch up to its predecessor. Nintendo also plans to expand the title with DLC and seasonal events, which could help boost sales in the coming months.
For now, however, the situation shows just how much staying power MK8 Deluxe still holds — even against a brand-new installment in Nintendo’s most popular racing franchise.