Mario Kart World’s $80 Price is Okay Because of Amount of Content Offered – Former PlayStation Exec

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Discussions about gaming among enthusiasts have centered around two key events since the debut of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the introduction of Mario Kart World: primarily, the new $80 price point that appears to be emerging as industry-wide standard. In a recent video, Shuhei Yoshida, a former PlayStation executive, engaged in conversation with ex-Nintendo PR employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Lang on this very topic.

During our discussion, Yoshida brought up an interesting point about gaming – historically, it’s been a relatively inexpensive pastime because the industry has generally resisted increasing prices due to inflation. However, he added that certain games offer premium versions, like deluxe editions, which can retail for as much as $100 or more. While these high-priced options exist, Yoshida also said that some gamers find value in them and are willing to spend that amount. Ultimately, whether you think it’s worth the investment is a personal decision.

Regarding games such as Mario Kart World, Yoshida stated that the game merits its $80 cost due to an abundance of content that can engage players for multiple hours. He even drew a parallel with the earlier game in the series – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – which was among the top-selling Switch titles since its debut.

Yoshida pointed out that a game like “Mario Kart 8” offers immense entertainment value for the cost of a single purchase, with people playing for countless hours. Some may even invest extra money for additional tracks. So, it’s essential to evaluate which game offers the desired entertainment and decide if paying the full price on release day is worthwhile. Alternatively, some games will eventually reduce in price as time passes.

Since Nintendo revealed “Mario Kart World” and its cost, they’ve faced criticism from fans due to the game being perceived as overpriced at $80. After unveiling the title in April, a representative from Nintendo of America, Bill Trinen (VP of Product and Player Experience), defended the price by emphasizing the game’s value.

Trinen clarified that this Mario Kart game is enormous and full of discoveries. There are still hidden secrets, and I believe as more people purchase and play the game, they’ll find it to be the most enriching Mario Kart experience yet.

In relation to the pricing for additional Switch 2 games such as enhanced editions of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” priced at $70 and $80 respectively, Trinen emphasized that Nintendo evaluates the worth of each game separately.

He explained that when determining a game’s price, they focus on examining each individual game, its content, and the enjoyment it offers. In essence, they ask themselves, ‘What fair cost reflects the worth of this amusement?’

To learn more, take a look at our detailed reviews on both Mario Kart World and the upcoming Switch 2 console.

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2025-06-30 14:11