The launch of Mario Kart 8 has proved just what a top-end title can do for a poor-performing console. However, it remains to be seen how Nintendo can keep up the momentum once the dust has settled.
Some said it would be too little too late by the time Mario Kart 8 hit the Wii U – the figures suggest otherwise.
After almost two years of frankly abysmal performance and a games library that left a ton to be desired, Nintendo’s Wii U is finally leaving warehouses across the country and making its way into actual homes. And we’re not talking in small numbers either – the release of Mario Kart 8 apparently sparked a 660% spike in Wii U console sales which is still going strong right now.
The iconic racing game shot straight into silver-medal position in the US charts, with only Watch Dogs managing to keep it off the top-spot.
“Wii U exclusive Mario Kart 8 races comfortably into second place” reported Nintendo.
“The much-loved series makes an impressive debut, becoming the bestselling week one for any Wii U title since launch and the second-best in the Mario Kart series ever.”
There was more (sort of) good news for Nintendo this week when it was reported that for the last few weeks at least, the Wii U has been selling in greater volumes in its native Japan than Sony’s PlayStation 4. Of course, these kinds of epic spikes are to be expected when historic titles like Mario Kart 8 hit the shelves, which of course begs the question as to if and how Nintendo can keep up such pace from hereon in.