Due to "changes in market conditions," the Nintendo Switch 2 console price is going up to $499.99 starting on September 1, 2026, making the family-friendly console less of an impulse buy. However, there is a new bundle out there for the Switch 2 that includes one of three high-quality titles: Pokemon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, or Donkey Kong Bananza. The bundle is $499.99, but since these games start at $69.99 normally, you'll save at least $20 if you've been waiting to pull the trigger on a Switch 2 and planned to buy at least one of the aforementioned games.
But with three vastly different, high-profile experiences on the table, which Switch 2 game should you choose? Below is a breakdown of the games, how they play, and who they are best suited for.
The Switch 2 Bundle Choices at a Glance
If you just want a quick look at the pricing and genres before diving into the details, here is how the three bundle options stack up:
|
Game |
Standalone Value |
Genre |
Best For |
|
Mario Kart World |
$80 |
Open-World Arcade Racer |
Multiplayer & Maximum Savings |
|
Donkey Kong Bananza |
$70 |
3D Action-Platformer |
Solo Adventure & Exploration |
|
Pokemon Pokopia |
$70 |
Cozy Life Sim / Crafting |
Long-term Sandbox Gaming |
Mario Kart World
- The Best Value for Pure Savings ($80 Standalone Value) - You'll save $30!
- Playstyle: Fast-paced, multiplayer racing with an open-world side mode.
What Is It?
If you've never played Mario Kart before, what rock have you been hiding under? The series is known for being a super easy-to-learn, hard-to-master racing experience that's extremely fun with friends or family under the same roof.
You can pick up items on the track like a Green Shell, Bananas, or a Lightning Bolt to stop your rivals from advancing, creating a very hectic atmosphere.
While Mario Kart World is lacking a bit when it comes to content, it's still one of the best experiences on the Switch 2, and you'll save yourself $30 by picking it up in this new bundle.
Donkey Kong Bananza
- The Dream Pick for Platforming Fans ($70 Standalone Value)
- Playstyle: Destruction-based 3D platforming
What Is It?
Donkey Kong Bananza brings DK back into the spotlight with a 3D platforming adventure of his own that is developed by the same team that worked on Super Mario Odyssey (which some might call the best Mario game ever, myself included). You team up with a young version of Pauline, who can use her singing powers to transform DK into various forms, which allow him to traverse the environment in different ways.
You can turn into a Zebra and run really fast or an Ostrich to reach high areas. There are also a ton of collectibles like Banana Gems and fossils to find, so you can spend dozens of hours literally seeing everything the game has to offer.
Pokemon Pokopia
- The Ultimate Cozy Time-Sink ($70 Standalone Value)
- Playstyle: Relaxed building, crafting, and collecting
What Is It?
In Pokemon Pokopia, you play as a Ditto transformed into a human, tasked with restoring a withered, empty land. Instead of battling Pokemon and other trainers, like in the traditional entries, you instead have to befriend the Pokemon and make homes for them. It's a very cozy life-sim game that draws inspiration from games like Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and Stardew Valley.
So, if you want to take it easy and have a stress-free Pokemon experience, this adventure game might be for you. It's also a great jumping-off point for someone who's never played a Pokemon game before—you just might take a while to learn all the Pokemon's names.
Final Verdict: Which Switch 2 Bundle Should You Buy?
- Choose Mario Kart World if: You want a stellar multiplayer game everyone can enjoy, or just want to maximize your bundle savings.
- Choose Donkey Kong Bananza if: You want a massive, high-quality, single-player adventure packed with clever platforming and exploration.
- Choose Pokemon Pokopia if: You want a cozy, creative sandbox that you can easily sink hundreds of hours into.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Original Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Original MSRP (USD)
- $449.99
- Operating System
- Proprietary
- Resolution
- 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- HDR Support
- Yes