Nintendo’s Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle is being phased out, and this time, it’s not just a seasonal shuffle. A leaked memo confirms the bundle’s production is done, removing one of the few deals tied to the handheld’s launch. For anyone still weighing a purchase, the clock’s ticking.
Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle hits end-of-life status
The news came from a leaked GameStop memo, later shared online by Nintendeal. The internal note plainly states that the Mario Kart World Bundle has “reached end of lifecycle,” and restocks won’t happen. From here on out, only the base Switch 2 model will ship to retailers.
This bundle originally offered a decent value: the console plus Mario Kart World for $499.99 roughly $30 cheaper than buying the game separately. With Mario Kart World still selling for $79.99 on its own, that deal shaved off more than just packaging.
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Nintendo hasn’t announced a new Switch 2 bundle
Unlike the original Switch era, where bundles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe became permanent, Nintendo hasn’t confirmed a follow-up for the Switch 2. The Pokémon Legends: Z-A bundle came and went fast, and most stores list it as sold out.
Could Animal Crossing: New Horizons return with a new Switch 2 edition? Rumors point to January 15th for that drop, but nothing’s official. A Mario Tennis Fever tie-in could follow in February but those aren’t system-sellers on the same level.
The Switch 2 price gap could widen without a bundle
Here’s where things get tricky: the base Switch 2 is $449.99, but bundled with Mario Kart World, it was only $50 more. That price made the game a low-cost add-on. Without it, buyers either pay full price separately or wait for a new offer that might never come.
List of bundle differences:
- Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99
- Base Switch 2 console: $449.99
- Mario Kart World (standalone): $79.99 MSRP
- Total if bought separately: $529.98
Unless Nintendo introduces a new combo, this move effectively raises the price of entry for fans who want Mario Kart World out of the gate.
Ending the bundle leaves fans with more questions than options
Nintendo’s choice to sunset a popular bundle during peak shopping season raises eyebrows. Memory supply issues and pricing pressure have already sparked speculation around possible future cost hikes. Without a new pack-in, players are left with fewer choices and less value.
The race is over for this bundle. Whether something better is coming, or just more upsells, remains to be seen.
