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The Unstoppable Reign of Mario Kart: How Many Copies Has the Franchise Sold?

The Mario Kart franchise isn’t just a series of video games; it’s a cultural phenomenon. From living room battles to competitive esports, the allure of throwing shells and drifting around corners has captivated gamers for decades. But just how commercially successful is this iconic series? The answer is staggering. The Mario Kart series has sold a combined 176.64 million copies globally, cementing its place as the most successful racing game franchise of all time. This impressive figure encompasses all entries in the series, from the original Super Mario Kart on the SNES to the wildly popular Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch. Let’s delve deeper into the sales figures of individual titles and explore the factors behind this incredible success.

A Look at Individual Title Sales

While the total franchise sales are impressive, understanding the sales figures of individual Mario Kart titles provides a more nuanced perspective. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable entries:

Super Mario Kart (SNES): This pioneer of the kart racing genre sold 8.76 million copies, making it the fourth best-selling game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Its impact on gaming is undeniable, establishing many of the core mechanics that define the series.
Mario Kart 64 (Nintendo 64): This game, a hallmark of the Nintendo 64 era, brought the franchise into 3D and sold 9.87 million copies. Its multiplayer mode was revolutionary at the time, solidifying its place in gaming history.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GameCube): Introducing the innovative concept of two characters per kart, Double Dash!! sold 6.96 million copies. Despite its unique mechanics, it remains a fondly remembered entry in the series.
Mario Kart DS (Nintendo DS): Mario Kart DS brought the racing action to handhelds with great success, selling a whopping 23.6 million copies. Its online multiplayer capabilities were a major draw, extending the game’s lifespan considerably.
Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo Wii): Taking advantage of the Wii’s motion controls, Mario Kart Wii sold an astonishing 37.38 million copies. This makes it one of the best-selling video games of all time and the best-selling Mario Kart game to date. The included Wii Wheel accessory contributed to its widespread appeal.
Mario Kart 7 (Nintendo 3DS): Introducing gliding and underwater sections, Mario Kart 7 sold 18.98 million copies. It further expanded the series’ gameplay while maintaining the core elements that fans loved.
Mario Kart 8 (Nintendo Wii U): Despite the Wii U’s struggles, Mario Kart 8 still managed to sell 8.46 million copies on the platform. Its HD graphics and refined gameplay were widely praised.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch): This enhanced version of Mario Kart 8, released on the massively successful Nintendo Switch, has achieved unprecedented success. It has sold over 63.92 million copies, making it the best-selling game on the Switch and one of the best-selling video games ever.
Mario Kart Tour (Mobile): Nintendo’s foray into mobile gaming with Mario Kart Tour has also proven lucrative, generating significant revenue. During the year from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, the game accumulated $92.7 million in revenue worldwide from the App Store and Google Play.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit (Nintendo Switch): This innovative augmented reality game, which blends physical RC cars with the virtual world of Mario Kart, has sold 1.73 million units.

The Secret to Mario Kart’s Enduring Appeal

Several factors contribute to the Mario Kart series’ phenomenal success:

Accessibility: The games are easy to pick up and play, even for those unfamiliar with racing games. The simple controls and forgiving mechanics make it accessible to a broad audience.
Multiplayer Fun: Mario Kart is best enjoyed with friends and family. The chaotic and unpredictable nature of the races creates memorable moments and encourages friendly competition.
Nintendo Charm: The inclusion of iconic Mario characters and settings adds a layer of nostalgia and familiarity that appeals to long-time Nintendo fans.
Constant Innovation: While maintaining the core gameplay, each new installment introduces new mechanics and features that keep the series fresh and exciting.
Long-Term Support: Nintendo’s commitment to supporting its games with updates, DLC, and events extends their lifespan and keeps players engaged. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a prime example of this strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario Kart Sales

1. Which Mario Kart game has sold the most copies?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch is the best-selling Mario Kart game, with over 63.92 million copies sold.

2. How many copies of the original Super Mario Kart were sold?

Super Mario Kart for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System sold 8.76 million copies.

3. How much money did Mario Kart Tour make?

During the period from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, Mario Kart Tour generated $92.7 million in revenue.

4. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still selling well?

Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to sell exceptionally well and is the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch, with sales constantly increasing thanks to the Booster Course Pass.

5. How many copies did Mario Kart 7 sell?

Mario Kart 7 for the Nintendo 3DS sold 18.98 million copies globally.

6. What is the total number of Mario Kart games sold?

The Mario Kart series as a whole has sold 176.64 million copies worldwide.

7. How does Mario Kart compare to other racing franchises?

Mario Kart is the most successful racing game franchise of all time, surpassing other popular series in terms of overall sales.

8. How many copies did Mario Kart Wii sell?

Mario Kart Wii sold 37.38 million copies, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time and the best-selling Mario Kart game before Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

9. Will there be a Mario Kart 9?

While there’s been no official announcement, industry analysts speculate that Mario Kart 9 is in active development and might introduce new and innovative features to the series.

10. How did Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit perform in terms of sales?

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit sold 1.73 million units worldwide, demonstrating the appeal of its innovative augmented reality gameplay.

11. What is the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch.

12. Why is Mario Kart so popular?

Its popularity stems from its accessibility, multiplayer fun, Nintendo charm, constant innovation, and long-term support. The Mario Kart series is fun for players of all ages. The Games Learning Society explores many of these factors in different studies related to gaming. You can find out more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

13. How much did Mario Kart 64 sell?

Mario Kart 64 for the Nintendo 64 sold 9.87 million copies.

14. How much copies did Mario Kart Double Dash sell?

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! for the Nintendo GameCube sold 6.96 million copies.

15. Is Mario Kart worth buying?

Yes, Mario Kart is generally considered an essential purchase for Nintendo consoles due to its engaging gameplay, multiplayer options, and ongoing support.

The Future of Mario Kart

With each new installment, Mario Kart continues to evolve and captivate gamers worldwide. Whether it’s through innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, or the introduction of new characters and tracks, the series remains a dominant force in the gaming industry. As we look to the future, it’s clear that Mario Kart’s reign as the king of kart racing is far from over. The franchise’s blend of accessibility, competitive gameplay, and Nintendo’s signature charm ensures its continued success for years to come.

How much did Mario Kart sell?