Can Any Nintendo Game Outsell Mario Kart on Switch 2? Miyamoto Says Maybe Not

It’s not often that Shigeru Miyamoto, the man behind Mario himself, admits there’s something that might never be topped. But when it comes to Mario Kart switch 2 , even he’s unsure if any future Nintendo game will ever catch up.

The Question Everyone’s Asking

With the Nintendo Switch 2 now out in the wild, fans are already wondering — which game will take the crown as the best-seller this time around? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe set an almost impossible benchmark on the original Switch, selling over 69 million copies worldwide. That’s more than any other Nintendo title in the system’s history — and it still sells every year.

So naturally, the big question came up: Can any upcoming Nintendo title, whether a new Zelda, Smash Bros., or a completely fresh IP, beat Mario Kart’s unstoppable record?

Miyamoto’s Honest Take

During a recent conversation covered by Nintendo Wire, Nintendo Everything, and Nintendo Life, Miyamoto didn’t sugarcoat his answer. He said he’s “not sure any game will outsell Mario Kart on Switch 2.” But he added something important — the desire to surpass Mario Kart could be what inspires Nintendo’s next big breakthrough. In his words, there are no limits in entertainment. He believes that when creators aim to do something “never-before-seen,” that’s when true innovation happens. So while he doubts another title will beat Mario Kart’s numbers anytime soon, he still encourages Nintendo’s teams to dream bigger.

The Sales King of Nintendo

Let’s put things in perspective. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has sold more copies than major franchises like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and even Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It’s not just a hit — it’s a phenomenon.

Now, Mario Kart World (the new entry for Switch 2) has already raced past 9.5 million units in its early months. That kind of launch is unheard of. It’s a clear sign that the franchise’s momentum is showing no signs of slowing down.

Why Mario Kart Switch 2 Is So Hard to Beat

A big reason behind Mario Kart’s success is its universal appeal. It’s not just for hardcore gamers — it’s for everyone. Parents play it with kids. Friends play it at parties. Even non-gamers can jump in and have fun within seconds. Plus, it’s the ultimate bundle game — almost every Switch owner buys a copy at some point. That’s what industry folks call a high attach rate, meaning one game is owned by a huge percentage of console owners. When a title reaches that level, it’s nearly impossible for others to catch up.

The “Two Copies per Customer” Joke

Miyamoto even brought up an old story from Pokémon’s creator, Satoshi Tajiri. Tajiri once joked that to surpass Mario’s sales, you’d have to “sell two copies of your game to each person.” Funny — but not far from the truth. Because when you think about how many homes Mario Kart lives in (often multiple copies in one family), that joke hits close to reality.

Could a New IP Break Through?

Nintendo’s known for surprises. Just when people think they’ve seen it all, the company drops something totally unexpected — like Wii Sports, Splatoon, or Ring Fit Adventure. Miyamoto hinted that if a new IP or system idea feels “fresh and never-before-seen,” there’s always a chance it could blow past even Mario Kart’s sales. But those moments are rare. They take time, creativity, and a bit of Nintendo magic. And honestly? That challenge is what keeps the developers motivated.

Why Miyamoto’s Words Matter

When Miyamoto talks about limits — or the lack of them — people listen. He’s not saying no one can ever beat Mario Kart. He’s saying that chasing the impossible is what pushes Nintendo forward. It’s that mindset that gave us Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Pikmin. So even if Mario Kart keeps its crown for a while, it’s the competition inside Nintendo that might lead to the next big phenomenon.

What the Fans Think

Online discussions are split. Some believe Mario Kart World will remain unbeatable — it’s too ingrained in Nintendo culture. Others think a new Pokémon or a revolutionary open-world Mario could eventually take the throne. And a few dreamers are betting on an entirely new franchise born on Switch 2 that no one’s even heard of yet. Whatever happens, one thing’s clear — Nintendo’s creative fire isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The Bottom Line

Mario Kart has been Nintendo’s gold standard for decades. And if you ask Miyamoto, that might not change soon. But behind his cautious words lies optimism. He wants the next generation of creators to try anyway — to aim for that impossible bar and maybe, just maybe, create something even bigger. After all, that’s what Nintendo does best — turning “maybe not” into “just wait and see.”