In an exciting turn of events for gamers and Nintendo fans alike, both Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza have been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Console Game of the Year’ at the Golden Joystick Awards. This recognition not only highlights the incredible lineup of the newly launched Switch 2 but also showcases the enduring popularity and innovation of Nintendo’s flagship franchises. With Mario Kart World competing for ‘Best Multiplayer’ and Donkey Kong Bananza nominated for ‘Best Audio Design’, these titles are up against some stiff competition, including heavyweights like Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Ytei.

In a surprising turn of events, Mario Kart World has reclaimed the top spot in the UK physical game sales charts, showcasing its enduring popularity among gamers. After briefly falling to second place, this Nintendo classic has once again outpaced competitors, including the recently released Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which has dropped to third place. This week’s charts reveal not only the resilience of Mario Kart World but also highlight the emergence of new titles like Cronos: The New Dawn, which debuted at number four.

Nintendo has just rolled out a significant update for Mario Kart World, and one of the most impactful changes is the adjustment of CPU opponents’ difficulty. With the Version 1.2.0 patch, players will find that the AI has been made weaker in most modes, making it easier to achieve those coveted three-star ratings in Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. This change is a welcome relief for many players who found the previous difficulty level frustratingly high.