In June, the Nintendo Switch 2 soared to new heights, selling 1.6 million units in the U.S., making it the fastest-selling video game console in the country. A staggering 82% of these new owners also bought Mario Kart World, either bundled with the console or as a standalone game. 
This significant figure comes from Circana’s June report, which highlights how Mario Kart World became the third-best selling game of the month despite the exclusion of Nintendo’s digital data.
The 82% attachment rate is a strong showing, though it still doesn’t match the first Nintendo Switch’s launch, where more than 100% of the new console owners bought The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. At the time, Nintendo explained this anomaly by pointing to collectors purchasing multiple copies. While Mario Kart World didn’t quite match those figures, it’s worth noting that the game performed even better in other countries, with France showing a Switch 2 attachment rate of over 95%.
The popularity of Mario Kart World is not surprising, considering the game’s solid review scores. We rated it an 8/10, praising the game for its polished multiplayer racing, but noted that the open-world aspect didn’t fully revolutionize the series. Still, the addition of the Knockout Tour mode and overall polish earned it high marks.
Additionally, 32% of Switch 2 owners purchased the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, making it the top-selling accessory for June. This controller, praised for its comfort and durability, likely contributed to the overall appeal of the console package.
However, the game’s success can also be attributed to the lack of other options. At launch, Mario Kart World was essentially the only game to play on the new Switch. For many buyers, it was either that or play their old games. Some were simply swayed by the fact that it was the only game available, while others were more motivated by price than quality.