Mario Kart World price plummets in Germany as buyers see the advantage of physical Switch 2 games

Before the Switch 2 release date, the €90 Mario Kart World price in Germany sparked controversy. The cost equates to roughly $106, not factoring in sales tax. However, weeks after the game launched, it's already selling for close to €70 at some retailers. With the digital alternative priced at €80, gamers realize there are more benefits to purchasing physical editions of Nintendo Switch 2 games.

The pricing of Mario Kart World varies by country. In the U.S., both physical and digital versions launched at $80, and so far, most stores have not discounted the cartridge option. Even so, Switch 2 owners in other regions are being rewarded for their patience. After a Reddit post highlighted the trend, gamers once again raised familiar arguments against using the eShop.

Publishers may have valid reasons as to why physical Switch 2 games are more expensive. Nintendo reportedly only provides 64GB cartridges, which are more costly than smaller-capacity alternatives for the previous console. Nintendo could absorb some of the expense for its first-party titles, but competing publishers may not be as fortunate. Packaging and shipping also add to the final price that buyers pay at retailers.

Despite the complicating factors, the market has regulated the Mario Kart World price in Germany. Not surprisingly, the Nintendo eShop in the country hasn't included the recent release in its summer sale. Even long after a game debuts, it's not uncommon for digital titles to remain at full price on other marketplaces like the PlayStation Store. Meanwhile, retailers may offer steeper discounts, while used copies sell for dramatically less on auction sites.

Gamers are also hesitant to pay full price for a Game-Key Card, which relies on downloaded data. Nintendo may be gradually pushing collectors toward digital gaming. Still, for now, many buyers find little incentive to abandon conventional cartridges.