Mario Kart World Hits 2.5 Million Sales in Japan, Sets New Franchise Record

by Ali Haider

Mario Kart World has reached 2.5 million retail units sold in Japan, achieving the milestone in just 29 weeks, according to sales data shared by Pierre485. The figure establishes the title as the fastest-selling Mario Kart game in the region, surpassing Mario Kart Wii, which required 89 weeks to reach the same mark. It is also the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch 2 game to date and currently stands as Japan’s best-selling game of 2025, with one week remaining in the year.

The strong domestic performance further reinforces Mario Kart World’s position as a flagship release for Nintendo’s latest hardware. Released on June 5, 2025, the game launched exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 and was positioned as a major system driver. Its rapid sales trajectory in Japan highlights sustained demand well beyond its launch window, reflecting consistent momentum rather than a short-lived surge.

Mario Kart World represents a significant evolution for the long-running racing franchise. Developed by Nintendo EPD with support from Monolith Soft and Bandai Namco, the title moves away from traditional menu-based progression in favor of a fully interconnected world. Players can drive directly between courses during Grand Prix events, while additional modes such as Free Roam and Knockout Tour expand the experience beyond structured races.

As of late December 2025, Mario Kart World has sold 9.57 million units worldwide. This outstanding performance has led to a reported attachment rate of nearly 93 percent for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, highlighting its status as an essential title for new console owners.

The milestone also adds to the broader success of the Mario Kart franchise, which has now surpassed 200 million units sold collectively. Within that lineup, Mario Kart World is already among the series’ top-performing entries, joining titles such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart Wii, and Mario Kart DS.

You may also like