News about Mario Kart World Preorder Now Available for Switch 2

Excitement is building for the upcoming release of *Mario Kart World*, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game set to launch on June 5 alongside the new console. This open-world racing game brings the beloved characters, vehicles, and regions of the Mushroom Kingdom to life, allowing players to explore freely. You can now preorder *Mario Kart World* at various retailers, including Walmart. Let's dive in and see what it's all about.

Preorder Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World

$79.99 at Target
$79.00 at Walmart
$79.99 at Best Buy
$79.99 at GameStop

Mario Kart World is refreshingly straightforward with its pricing: it's available as a standalone game for $79.99. Alternatively, you can opt for the Switch 2 Super Mario Kart World Bundle, which includes the game and the console for $499.99.

Switch 2 Super Mario Kart World Bundle

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle

$499.99 at Best Buy

Opting for the Switch 2 bundle with Super Mario Kart World saves you $30 compared to buying the console and game separately. Keep in mind, however, that this bundle comes with a digital copy of the game, so you won't receive a physical cartridge or game box. If a physical copy is a must-have for you, the extra $30 might be worth it to secure your preorder.

Yes, the MSRP Is $79.99

Purchasing Mario Kart World on its own will set you back $79.99, which is $10 more than the standard price for AAA PlayStation and Xbox games this generation. While price increases between console generations can be frustrating, it's important to remember that game development costs have risen significantly. I'm hopeful that the increased price reflects the expansive scope of Mario Kart World, making it a worthy investment.

What Is Mario Kart World?

Mario Kart World is set to be the most ambitious entry in the Mario Kart series to date, featuring an expansive open-world environment akin to the Forza Horizon series. In Grand Prix mode, you can seamlessly transition from one track to another, enhancing the racing experience. The game's tracks are dynamically influenced by weather and time of day, affecting visibility and traction. Players can venture off the designated tracks to explore virtually everywhere within the game world, as Nintendo promises. Each race will feature up to 24 drivers, the largest number in any Mario Kart game yet.

A new mode, Knockout Tour, challenges you to race across the open world, passing through checkpoints with specific placement requirements. Fail to meet these, and you're out of the race. For a more relaxed experience, Free Roam mode allows you to drive anywhere in the world at your own pace, team up with friends, and capture memorable moments with in-game photography.

More details on Mario Kart World are expected during the April 17 Nintendo Direct. Until then, check out our hands-on preview for additional insights.