Mario Kart 8 Breaks Record As Best-selling Racing Game Ever in the US

IGN recently reported that Mario Kart 8 is now the best-selling racing game in US History. How did they come to this conclusion? It’s thanks to the numbers revealed by the NPD Group for March 2021 video game sales and some previous sales number releases.

The previous record holder was Mario Kart 8’s predecessor, Mario Kart Wii (2008). By September 30, 2020, that game had sold 37.38 million copies. Meanwhile, the current combined units sold for the original Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Wii U and its updated version, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch, is at least 41.86 million according to the NPD Group’s findings.

It’s interesting that for Mario Kart 8 to surpass Mario Kart Wii in unit sales, it had to be released twice. It’s also interesting, and maybe not surprising, that the crown for the best-selling racing game in the US remains on the head of the Mario Kart franchise.

Any gamer who’s ever played a Mario Kart game knows how fun it is. From the Super NES days up to now, each iteration of the popular series has proven a blast to play with friends. The game lets you test your skills against one another to see who will come out on top. It’s not like a realistic race car simulator by any means, but therein lies the charm. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, you can easily get into the zany fast-paced action of Mario Kart. 

I know, because I’ve been playing Mario Kart games for decades. And now I play with my nephews who are always kicking my butt.

In related stories, check out our look at Japan’s new Super Nintendo World, which includes footage of the Mario Kart ride attraction. Or learn about the recent release AR Mario Kart game that you play using your Switch and a racetrack that you make in your own home!

Image source: Amazon