Everything we know about Mario Kart World for the Nintendo Switch 2, including its new expensive price tag

The Nintendo Switch 2 is almost here and, with Nintendo's new game system, some new launch title games are coming out with it.

One of those launch titles will be Mario Kart World — the newest excursion in a long line of Mario Kart games that we've gotten over the years.

This is one of the Nintendo Switch 2 titles people have been looking forward to the most. The Mario Kart franchise is one of the most popular under the Nintendo umbrella and has been since it first began in 1992. The game's next installment on the Switch 2 will be its biggest yet and, hopefully, its best. It'll definitely be its most expensive.

Here's everything we know about the game so far.

When is Mario Kart World releasing?

Mario Kart World is releasing on the same date as the Nintendo Switch 2 console on June 5. It'll be the main launch day title for the game system and will also be available in a system bundle for $499.

Wait, is this the same thing as Mario Kart 9?

Yep. This is the same thing. If you're looking for the sequel to Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart World is it. The title doesn't explicitly say 9, but this game is the next major installment in the Mario Kart franchise.

How much does the game cost?

Here's the kicker. While the game will add another $50 to the price for the Nintendo Switch bundle, if you'd like to purchase the game on its own.

WAIT. What? $80? Is that normal?

That's not typical for Nintendo Switch games. Mario Kart 8 retailed for $59.99. Higher end Switch games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom sold for $69.99. Seeing a Nintendo Switch 2 game bumped up to $79.99 like this is a lot.

It might not be the typical experience. Donkey Kong Bonanza, which releases a month after Mario Kart in July, will retail for $69.99, which is closer to typical.

What makes this game so special?

This is shaping up to be the largest installment of Mario Kart ever. The maps are larger, the races are bigger, with 24 players participating at a time, there are more characters and there's an off-road road where you can drive off the beaten path for the first time.

There's a lot that could make this game worth it for people. It's a significant price increase, but someone will definitely be willing to pay it. Whether it's worth it or not will be up to the player alone.

Nintendo is banking on this being a hit. That's why it's included in its bundle. Given the history of the Mario Kart franchise, that's probably a good bet.