Donkey Kong Bananzamay have received a warm reception from fans and critics alike, but it’s been absolutely demolished in sales byMario Kart World, with Japanese fans preferring the racing game over the destruction one.
Mario Kart is Nintendo’s premier franchise. Nothing else comes close, especially as the company isn’t the full owner of Pokemon. Mario Kart 8 Deluxesold nearly 70 million copiesacross its lifespan, which obliterated the second-best-selling Switch game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which didn’t even hit 50 million.
Theera of the Nintendo Switch 2is here, and it lacks a proper Mario game at launch. Instead, it has Donkey Kong Bananza, which is a spiritual successor to Super Mario Odyssey. Unfortunately, DK doesn’t have the same pull as Mario, asFamitsuis reporting that Mario Kart World sold far better in the region.
According to Famitsu’s figures, Mario Kart World has sold nearly 1.6 million copies since launch, while Donkey Kong Bananza has just about broken a quarter of a million.
It bears mentioning that Mario Kart World was apack-in game for the Nintendo Switch 2and launched several months before Donkey Kong Bananza, giving it more time to accrue sales. Despite this, it seems Donkey Kong Bananza hasn’t had the same interest that a mainline Mario or Zelda would have had in the same spot.
In Donkey Kong’s defense, Mario Kart ispretty much impossible to beat. The franchise has such mass appeal and longevity that buying it is a smarter investment. The Mario Kart games tend to stay fun via their multiplayer and online modes, which means they’re playable for years to come. Donkey Kong Bananza is a one-and-done experience, one that’s far easier to put down than Mario Kart World.
Mario Kart World
WHERE TO PLAY
Hit the open road with Mario and friends!Zip around courses in a vast world where everything is connected. Race along grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, big ol' volcanos, and more—plus everything in between.A sprawling world of courses.Speed across plains, cities, water, volcanos, and much more. Everything is connected!Go beyond the course.There’s more to racing than just the course. Hop off the course and race the distance to the next one!Free Roam - Drive wherever your heart takes you.Where to? That’s up to you! Take off in any direction in this new mode. Explore areas that pique your interest, and maybe even snap some in-game pics at scenic spots.Play Together - Have a blast with friends, whether near or far.Up to 4 players can race on the same system. Play using your choice of button controls or motion controls. Attach a Joy-Con 2 controller to the optional Joy-Con 2 wheel accessory towheelyfeel like you’re driving. You can also play using Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers connected wirelessly.
Donkey Kong Bananza
