April 5th 2025.
In the days leading up to this week, there was much speculation and discussion about what Nintendo would reveal at their latest Nintendo Direct. And while there were some surprises and unexpected announcements, overall it seemed to go as expected - the console was reasonably priced, the release date is coming soon, and most of the games showcased looked promising.
However, one topic has been dominating the conversation since then - the prices of the games, specifically Mario Kart World. In the UK, the physical version is priced at £74.99 and the digital version at £66.99, which has caught many off guard.
While some have argued that these prices are high, especially compared to Nintendo's usual lower prices, it's important to note that other popular games like Call Of Duty and EA Sports FC are also priced similarly. And let's not forget yearly sports games like NBA 2K, which also have a hefty price tag.
It's understandable to wish for lower prices, but the reality is that game development is expensive and the cost of games reflects that. And when you consider the fact that games like Call Of Duty will be replaced with a new version within a year, while Nintendo games like Mario Kart World will be the only installment for years to come, the prices seem justified.
Of course, it's worth mentioning that part of the backlash may stem from the fact that Mario Kart World has cartoon graphics and is often dismissed as a game for kids. However, it's important to note that it's actually one of the best-selling traditional video games of all time, second only to GTA 5. If it had realistic graphics and a darker tone, it's likely that the complaints would be less prevalent.
Unfortunately, there's a trend among gamers to only value "serious" games and to scoff at anything that's just meant to be fun. This is also seen in the way many casual gamers dismiss indie games or expect them to be sold at low prices. It's as if anything that's not a realistic, gritty game is considered worthless.
But looking back, it's clear that video game prices have not increased much in the past three decades. In fact, in 1992 a cinema ticket cost around £3, while a new SNES game could cost up to £50 or more. And yet, it seems that charging the same price for a game like Mario Kart World is seen as outrageous.
Some may argue that other games see a price reduction over time, but that's not always the case. Many people still purchase the next installment within a year, and games like Call Of Duty rarely go down in price. So why is it that Mario Kart World, one of the best and most successful games of all time, is not worth the price?
And for those who argue that the price of Mario Kart World isn't the only cost, as there will likely be DLC as well, it's important to consider that a) predicting Nintendo's actions is never a sure bet, b) you don't have to purchase the DLC, and c) the DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been praised as one of the best value additions to a game.
In the end, it's important to remember that games cost a lot to make, and publishers need to charge accordingly. If we want to advocate for lower prices, we should do so with games that are actually bad, not just because we feel entitled to a lower price. Let's not forget to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a game like Mario Kart World.
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