Nintendo Takes a Slow Burn Approach With Switch 2 as Mario Kart World Sees Early Discount

Nintendo’s game plan for the Switch 2 isn’t what you might expect from a next-gen console launch. No flood of launch titles, no overwhelming day-one catalog. Instead, the company’s opted for a measured, almost minimalist rollout — and oddly enough, it’s working.

Mario Kart World was the console’s first big swing, bundled with the Switch 2 at launch. But now, less than two months later, the game’s already seeing a price drop. Is it a sign of things to come — or just a smart way to keep people hooked in between major releases?

A Launch Strategy That’s a Little Different

Unlike previous Nintendo consoles — or even what Sony and Microsoft typically do — the Switch 2 didn’t launch with a buffet of games. Just a handful. Carefully timed. Spaced out.

Some gamers called it underwhelming. But plenty of others saw it as a welcome breather — especially considering how pricey new games are getting. With Switch 2 titles often priced north of $70, this slower rollout gives players time to actually play what they buy, instead of letting them collect dust in the backlog.

Nintendo’s clearly banking on the quality and uniqueness of its titles rather than sheer quantity. And so far? That bet’s paying off.

Mario Kart World Gets a Quick Discount

The first game out of the gate was Mario Kart World, which introduced a bold new twist on the iconic racing franchise. The core tracks and racing mechanics are still there, but now players can cruise through open environments between races, explore new areas, solve puzzles, and even play around with costumes and unlockables.

It’s not a perfect package — Nintendo’s open-world take hasn’t won over everyone — but it’s definitely ambitious.

Just under two months after its release, Mario Kart World is now available for $71.99, down from its original $79.99 price tag. Not exactly a fire sale, but a notable drop for a brand-new title in a series that rarely sees discounts this early.

That little price cut could be Nintendo testing the waters — or simply acknowledging that bundling the game at launch means fewer people needed to buy it separately.

What Makes Mario Kart World Worth It?

Not everyone’s sold on the open-world layer, but the game’s still got that Mario Kart magic.

Here’s why it’s a solid pickup if you’re on the fence:

• Knockout Tour Mode is one of the strongest additions in years — a competitive elimination-based structure that adds real tension to races.

• Free Roam Mode, while bloated and awkward at times, is still a fun space for younger players and completionists.

• Racing physics feel tighter and more refined than ever — that alone keeps longtime fans happy.

The open world is, admittedly, a bit hit or miss. Critics (including us) say it feels tacked on in parts. The challenges are often obscure, and the way you track progress is clunky. But it does unlock certain game modes and collectibles that spice things up beyond the traditional lap-based competition.

Review Snapshot: Mixed but Promising

Our verdict on Mario Kart World?

It’s fun. It’s fresh. It’s flawed.

The attempt to go open world was bold — maybe a little too bold — but the knockout mode saved it from feeling like a gimmicky rehash. The rest is a mix of old-school charm and half-baked ambition.

Would we have liked a tighter, more focused game? Probably. But Nintendo’s at least trying to shake things up with this release — and that’s worth something.

What’s Next for Switch 2?

With Mario Kart World now out and already getting a price cut, all eyes are on what comes next. Nintendo has confirmed a few titles in the pipeline, but nothing too overwhelming yet. The idea, it seems, is to pace things out — avoid over-saturating the market, and give each game room to breathe.

And let’s be honest — most of us can only afford one or two big games every couple of months anyway.

Here’s what’s rumored or announced for Switch 2’s upcoming lineup:

Nintendo’s slower strategy may not generate splashy headlines every week, but it’s making the console feel more manageable and less like a wallet killer.

And if early discounts like Mario Kart World’s become more common? That’s even better news for players.