Former Nintendo rep warns against Mario Kart World DLC with already high price of Switch 2 games

Gamers have condemned the pricing of some Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World. The kart racer will cost at least $80 in addition to the $450 console, which is slightly more expensive than predicted. Adding to concerns are DLC that could recycle old characters and tracks. In a recent podcast, former Nintendo PR Manager Krysta Yang cautioned against launching the game with additional paid content.

Mario Kart 8 was supported with DLC as far back as the Wii U version. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch included that content and added racers, tracks, and modes. Along with some free updates, the $24.99 Booster Course Pack breathed new life into the game. There is no evidence that Nintendo will offer DLC when Mario Kart World debuts. Still, some fans anxiously await the April 17th Mario Kart World Direct to learn about a potential roadmap.

During the Kit & Krysta podcast, Yang stressed that Nintendo must be transparent about the cost of future Mario Kart World content. Nintendo of America Vice President Bill Trinen implied that the game would have enough to offer without DLC. He argued that it's the deepest Mario Kart experience yet. The title's open-world gameplay alone may tempt gamers to invest $80.

Nintendo is facing criticism for the price of DLC for other Switch 2 games. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will have a version that takes advantage of the new console's upgraded specs. However, the $70 Switch 2 title won't include any previously released bonus content. Instead, buyers must purchase the Expansion Pass for $20. When other publishers re-release past titles, they often bundle them with DLC, but Nintendo is taking a different approach.

Buyers are already on edge with tariffs threatening to raise the Switch 2 price and delaying pre-orders. Hopefully, Mario Kart World will keep players entertained for months, if not years, without spending more.