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| Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle banner is shown |
The race to get the best deal on a Nintendo Switch 2 is coming to a checkered flag, marking the end of a substantial launch-year discount.
A major savings window is closing for anyone looking to buy a Nintendo Switch 2. Production has officially ended on the console's popular Mario Kart World bundle, a promotional offer that has saved new owners significant money since the handheld's launch .
The news was first revealed in a leaked internal memo from retailer GameStop, later confirmed by the retailer itself on social media . While supplies of the bundle still exist on store shelves and online, once they sell out, they will be gone for good.
The shift back to selling only the standalone console means that, starting in 2026, getting into the Switch 2 ecosystem will almost certainly become more expensive for new players.
The Official Word: Production Has Ended
The final confirmation came via an internal GameStop communication, shared publicly by the deal-tracking account Nintendeal . The memo was clear in its directive:
“This bundle SKU has now reached end of lifecycle, and additional units will no longer be produced. Future replenishment of Nintendo Switch 2 will be the base console.”
GameStop later posted on social media to verify the memo's authenticity, urging customers to pick up the bundle "while supplies last" . You can see the leaked memo for yourself here: https://x.com/Nintendeal/status/2002812731108581597.
This move, while sudden to some consumers, aligns with Nintendo's original messaging. Back in April, when the console was announced, the company stated on its social media channels that the Mario Kart World bundle would be a "limited time production through Fall 2025" and was "available while supplies last" . You can view that original announcement here: https://x.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1907436794305495312.
With the fall season over, Nintendo is simply following through on its stated plan .
Why This Bundle Was Such a Big Deal
For the last six months, the Mario Kart World bundle has been the most financially sensible way to buy a Nintendo Switch 2. Here’s a breakdown of the math that made it a "no-brainer" for most consumers :
- Standalone Console: $449.99
- Standalone Game (Mario Kart World): $79.99
- Total Purchased Separately: $529.98
- Bundle Price: $499.99
- Customer Savings: $29.99
Essentially, by opting for the bundle, gamers were getting the flagship launch title for a little over half-price . In recent weeks, the value proposition has become even more incredible. Major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon have discounted the bundle down to $449.99 . At that sale price, which you can check for yourself here: https://amzn.to/492eojJ, buyers are getting the $80 game for free compared to the cost of the standalone console .
The bundle includes a voucher for a digital download of Mario Kart World, which takes up approximately 24GB of the console's 256GB of internal storage .
CONFIRMED: the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle has officially ended production according to an internal GameStop memo
— Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) December 21, 2025
"This bundle SKU has now reached end of lifecycle, and additional units will no longer be produced. Future replenishment of Nintendo Switch 2 will be the base… pic.twitter.com/RYTgQvbUaQ
Current Stock and What the Future Holds
For now, the bundle is still available. At the time of writing, major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart have units in stock, though prices may vary, and Target has reportedly been sold out for weeks .
However, with the news of its discontinuation now public, remaining stock is not expected to last indefinitely . "I’d recommend picking up the bundle before they’re gone for good," advises Rosalie Newcombe, Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ .
Looking ahead, the discontinuation of this bundle raises questions about Nintendo's strategy. The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundle was a permanent fixture for the original Nintendo Switch, making this limited run for the sequel notable . Industry observers speculate that Nintendo may be planning to release new, rotating bundles for major game releases, similar to the Pokémon Legends: Z-A bundle that launched in October but is now sold out .
Other fan-favorite franchises like Animal Crossing are prime candidates for future bundled promotions .
A Note on Broader Pricing Pressures
The end of this bundle may not be the only financial concern for prospective Switch 2 buyers. Industry analysts note that Nintendo is facing increased costs for critical components like DRAM chips .
While the company has maintained its launch pricing so far, these rising production costs could potentially lead to a price increase for the base Switch 2 console in 2026, making the current discounted bundles an even more attractive final opportunity .
The Final Lap: Should You Buy It?
If you have been considering jumping into the Switch 2 ecosystem, the calculus is straightforward:
- If you want Mario Kart World: This is your last chance to get it at a deep discount with the console. The current sale price of $449.99 represents peak value.
- If you're on the fence: The guaranteed savings are ending. Once remaining bundles sell out, buying the console and game separately will cost at least $530.
- If you don't want the game: You can safely wait, as the standalone console will continue to be produced and sold for $449.99 .
The Mario Kart World bundle served as a generous launch incentive from Nintendo. Its retirement signals a new phase for the Switch 2, where the cost of entry for new players is about to go up. For those looking to save, the checkered flag is now in sight.
