Mario Kart 8 sells 1.2 million worldwide in opening weekend

Mario Kart 8 has gotten off to a good start when it comes to sales.

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Considering the Wii U's lackluster console sales worldwide (6 million and counting), Nintendo needed a big hit to rejuvenate the system and get folks interested again. Thankfully, it looks like Mario Kart 8 has become that game, as Nintendo has announced huge sales for the game in its opening release weekend.

During the period of May 29th through June 1st, MK8 has managed to sell 1.2 million copies around the world. That makes it the sixth best selling Wii U game to date--yes, already--and could lead to bigger sales over the summer through word-of-mouth. That also makes it hit roughly 1/5 of the entire Wii U install base.

The Mario Kart series is no stranger to big sales, as Mario Kart DS has sold over 23 million copies since its release, while nearly ten million units of Mario Kart 7 sold. Leading the pack, however, is Mario Kart Wii, with nearly 36 million copies sold worldwide.

"The early response to Mario Kart 8 demonstrates that the best days for Wii U are still ahead," said Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime. "This year's E3 is just days away, and it will be all about the future games for Nintendo platforms. This milestone is a great place to start!"

If you need a reminder just how great Mario Kart 8 is, check out our review.

Robert Workman was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    June 2, 2014 11:15 AM

    Robert Workman posted a new article, Mario Kart 8 sells 1.2 million worldwide in opening weekend.

    Mario Kart 8 has gotten off to a good start when it comes to sales.

    • reply
      June 2, 2014 11:34 AM

      Gratz! I did my part :)

    • reply
      June 2, 2014 11:40 AM

      I caved in and got the bundle. The game is too good to pass up!

    • reply
      June 2, 2014 11:47 AM

      I picked it up on Friday, and went from underwhelmed to enamored with it. They did a superb job with it.

      I think it's my favorite MK game now.

    • reply
      June 2, 2014 11:56 AM

      Relevant!:

      Mario Kart 8 Shacknews Daily Tournament

      I have created the daily tourney. It runs from noon to midnight MST (should be 2pm to 2am EST). 8 races, CPU players so maximum points should always be awarded.

      0535-5434-3667

      http://chattypics.com/files/iPhoneUpload_kjitdd2zax.jpg

      Yesterday was good times, I'll get on tonight around 10:30 EST to run through my 8 races. Hope to see you there!

      http://www.shacknews.com/chatty?id=31968135#item_31968135

    • reply
      June 2, 2014 11:58 AM

      Cool, still waiting for my copy to arrive by mail tomorrow, many shops were sold out where I live so best option was to by online even though I have to wait a few extra days.

      • reply
        June 2, 2014 12:08 PM

        Walked right into my local walmart on Saturday afternoon and got a copy with no problems. Although I think there were only 2 more copies left in the glass case. First game I've bought at walmart in a long time. I usually go the gamestop or amazon route.

    • reply
      June 2, 2014 11:59 AM

      the real question is how many new Wii U consoles were sold?

    • reply
      June 2, 2014 12:19 PM

      My copy got here today, I'm excited to try it out when i get off of work.

    • Zek legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
      reply
      June 2, 2014 1:05 PM

      MK8 is a good game, but I've been playing mainly singleplayer and Mario Kart singleplayer makes me so, so mad. I'm embarrassed about how upset I get when the RNG fucks me out of a win but I just can't help myself.

      • Zek legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
        reply
        June 2, 2014 1:08 PM

        If I could make one change it would be to switch to individual course selection instead of having to win four in a row (with perfect placement to get 3 stars). Replaying one race is fine, replaying them all when it goes bad at the end is infuriating.

        • reply
          June 3, 2014 2:58 AM

          I'm pissed the remove the Retry option for individual tracks ages ago.

        • reply
          June 3, 2014 3:20 AM

          Eh, there's no point getting 3 stars. It doesn't show up on your profile during online multiplayer. And the Gold Kart for getting 1 stars isn't that good.

      • reply
        June 2, 2014 1:14 PM

        Haha yep.

        I can't count how many times I would be halfway through last lap in 150cc circuit, either screw up once or hit by red shell which inevitably starts a chain reaction of impeccable banana throws, random green shell bounces and other assorted power ups all aimed at me resulting in a furious 8th place finish.

    • reply
      June 3, 2014 4:04 AM

      Every MK8 thread reminds me of this...

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpxDuNFBVj8&feature=youtu.be

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