For over three decades, Mario Kart has remained one of the most beloved racing game franchises in the world. From the original Super Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) to the latest iterations on the Nintendo Switch, the series has seen significant changes—not just in graphics and gameplay but also in price.
But how have Mario Kart game prices evolved when adjusted for inflation? Let’s take a look at the data.
A Timeline of Inflation-Adjusted Mario Kart Prices
- 1992 – Super Mario Kart (SNES): $125
The game that started it all was actually quite expensive in today’s dollars. Released in 1992, Super Mario Kart had a high inflation-adjusted cost. - 1997 – Mario Kart 64 (N64): $119
The jump to 3D graphics and a new console kept prices high. In adjusted terms, Mario Kart 64 was still costly, though slightly cheaper than its predecessor. - 2001 – Mario Kart: Super Circuit (GBA): $63
The first handheld entry in the series saw a drop in price, likely due to the lower production costs associated with Game Boy Advance cartridges. - 2003 – Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GameCube): $87
This fan-favorite introduced cooperative racing and saw prices rise again compared to the GBA release. - 2005 – Mario Kart DS: $65
As handheld technology improved, Mario Kart DS came at a relatively reasonable inflation-adjusted price. - 2008 – Mario Kart Wii: $74
The inclusion of motion controls and the Wii Wheel accessory pushed prices up slightly. - 2011 – Mario Kart 7 (3DS): $71
The first 3D handheld Mario Kart experience was priced similarly to its predecessor. - 2014 – Mario Kart 8 (Wii U): $81
Despite the Wii U’s struggles, Mario Kart 8 became a high-quality entry with an increased cost. - 2017 – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch): $78
A re-release of Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch kept prices high but stable. - 2025 – Mario Kart World (Switch 2): $80
Based on current trends, the next anticipated entry in the Mario Kart series is expected to continue at a similar price point.
What This Means for Gamers
Although Mario Kart games have always been premium titles, the data shows that inflation-adjusted prices have actually decreased compared to the 90s. This suggests that while modern games may seem expensive, they are relatively more affordable when considering historical pricing trends.
Additionally, the note at the bottom of the chart suggests that salary growth has outpaced inflation, meaning that games like Mario Kart are likely more accessible to gamers than they were in the past.
Final Thoughts
Mario Kart has remained a staple of Nintendo gaming for decades, providing countless hours of fun for players of all ages. While prices have fluctuated over the years, the franchise remains one of the best values in gaming. Whether you started with Super Mario Kart or joined in with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, one thing is certain—Mario Kart isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
What’s your favorite Mario Kart game? Let us know in the comments!
