Even after over 17 years, Mario Kart World has achieved a significant milestone for the Mario Kart series. When it launched on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, the game was incredibly popular with fans, contributing to strong sales of the console itself. To date, over nine million copies have been sold, and the game has been widely praised by critics. While Mario Kart games are consistently successful, Mario Kart World is the first title to break a record that stood for many years.
On December 26, 2025, Pierre485 announced on X that Mario Kart World had a record-breaking launch in Japan, selling 2.5 million copies in just 29 weeks. This makes it the fastest-selling game for the Switch 2, the best-selling game of 2025, and the fastest-selling Mario Kart game ever in Japan. Previously, Mario Kart Wii took 89 weeks to reach 2.5 million units sold in Japan. Mario Kart World‘s success is significantly faster than its predecessor, and is a strong reason to consider upgrading to the Switch 2.
Mario Kart World Broke a 17-Year-Old Record
These numbers are important because they only reflect sales in Japan, a country that both creates and buys a lot of video games. While Mario Kart Wii took 89 weeks to sell 2.5 million copies, Mario Kart World achieved the same milestone in just 29 weeks. This demonstrates how popular both the new Mario Kart game and the Nintendo Switch 2 console are with players. The strong sales suggest that Mario Kart World is a fantastic game, and the Switch 2 is a highly successful console, especially considering Mario Kart World is only available on the Switch 2.
Apologies, bovine brethren. #MarioKartWorld
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 29, 2025
As a huge fan, it’s amazing to think that the Mario Kart series has sold over 200 million copies since it first came out on the Super Nintendo back in 1992! Every Nintendo console since then has had at least one Mario Kart game, and honestly, it’s a big reason why I – and a lot of others – keep buying Nintendo systems. Right now, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch is the top seller with over 69.5 million copies sold since 2017. Mario Kart Wii is still doing incredibly well in second place with over 37.3 million, but Mario Kart Tour definitely has its work cut out for it to catch up!
Despite being relatively new, Mario Kart World is already a big success. Released on June 5, 2025, as a launch title for the Switch 2, Nintendo has sold 9.57 million copies in just over six months. While it hasn’t reached the sales numbers of Nintendo’s biggest hits yet, its current sales rate suggests it will likely get there. Mario Kart remains one of Nintendo’s most popular and best-selling series, and Mario Kart World is a fantastic new installment.
Got your hands on Mario Kart World yet? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
https://comicbook.com/gaming/feature/mario-kart-drifting-evolution/embed/#
Read More
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- How To Watch Call The Midwife 2025 Christmas Special Online And Stream Both Episodes Free From Anywhere
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- Tougen Anki Episode 24 Release Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Avatar 3 Popcorn Buckets Bring Banshees From Pandora to Life
- Emily in Paris soundtrack: Every song from season 5 of the Hit Netflix show
- 7 Most Powerful Stranger Things Characters Ranked (Including the Demogorgon)
- Elizabeth Taylor’s Son Says Taylor Swift, His Mom Are Kindred Spirits
- Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 3 Kids Steal the Show at Christmas
2025-12-27 18:13