Game sales are something that many people like to think they can predict, but sometimes, things happen that no one can see coming, not even legends like Shigeru Miyamoto. For example, with the OG Nintendo Switch, no one could’ve expected Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to not only sell well across it and the Wii U, but to become the best-selling game on the console. In fact, it’s STILL selling good numerous over eight years later. It’s almost at 70 million units sold, which is insane. Fast forward to now, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is having a field day with its own entry in the franchise.
Mario Kart World has sold almost 10 million units in its first four months, and with it being bundled with the Switch 2 for at least a while longer, those sales will continue to grow. At the latest Nintendo Q&A, as translated by Nintendo Everything, Shigeru Miyamoto noted that the dominance of Nintendo’s racing franchise could be beaten if the right thing comes along, but it’s not a guarantee:
I think the exciting thing about Nintendo is that we are open to taking on any challenge. However, even if that situation were to occur, Mario Kart would likely continue to sell even more in that arena, so it may never be surpassed.
While it’s hard to predict what might beat the newest entry, it should be noted that nothing is impossible, should the right game come out. Going back to the OG Switch, no one could’ve predicted that Animal Crossing: New Horizons would sell almost 50 million units during its run, and yet, it did.
Perhaps it’ll be another game no one expects to be the one to dethrone the racing giant. Or, perhaps it’ll just keep racing away with the trophy.
Source: Nintendo Everything
