Shigeru Miyamoto Isn’t Convinced Another IP Will Surpass Mario Kart’s Sales

Nintendo has recently disclosed a transcript of its most recent Q&A session following its Q2 2025 financial report. Overall, it’s rather brief with minimal surprises, but a query concerning the Mario Kart franchise certainly caught our attention.

The question essentially proposes the idea of another IP exceeding the sales of the Mario Kart franchise on Switch 2. As established, Mario Kart World has already shifted 9.57 million units on the new console, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undoubtedly the best-selling Switch title at a remarkable 69.56 million units.

Shigeru Miyamoto responded by indicating that Nintendo has continuously operated under the conviction that “there are no boundaries,” mentioning the comparisons drawn between The Super Mario Bros. Movie and other films that debuted around the same period. If the film reached the top position, Nintendo is convinced it can always strive for more.

He continues by asserting that if a new IP resonates with gamers, it could indeed achieve commercial triumph. However, he then counters this by asserting that Mario Kart will persist in its sales, hence “it may never be outperformed”.

Humorously, he recalls a discussion with Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri. Reflecting on the development of Pokémon in Japan, Tajiri allegedly joked with Miyamoto, claiming “if you want to surpass Nintendo’s Mario, you’ll need to sell two copies of the software to every buyer”. This is reportedly one of the motivations behind the choice to develop Pokémon Red and Green.

Exceeding Mario Kart will indisputably be a formidable challenge for any publisher, including Nintendo itself. Not even the power of titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate could dethrone Mario Kart 8 Deluxe from its pedestal.

We will have to observe how events unfold with the Switch 2 in the forthcoming years.

Do you believe Mario Kart World’s sales will be eclipsed on the Switch 2? Or has it already gained too considerable of a lead? Share your thoughts in the comments.