So, you just got your hands on the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle—congratulations! This bundle is packed with excitement, letting you dive straight into the latest high-speed adventures with Mario and friends. But if you’re scratching your head wondering how to actually download Mario Kart World, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many players have found the process a little tricky, especially since the download isn’t always as straightforward as heading to the eShop.
Step 1: Set Up Your Nintendo Switch 2 Properly
Before you can download Mario Kart World, you need to make sure your Switch 2 is set up correctly. If you’ve just taken it out of the box, follow the initial setup prompts—connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to (or create) your Nintendo Account, and link your Nintendo Switch Online membership if you have one. Skipping this step could cause issues later, so take your time.
Once your console is ready and you’re staring at the home screen, take a deep breath. The next steps are where things get a little more involved.
Step 2: Navigate to the Nintendo Switch Online App
Unlike regular game downloads, Mario Kart World isn’t always listed directly in the eShop if you bought the bundle. Instead, you’ll need to dig into the Nintendo Switch Online app. Here’s how:
- From the home screen, look at the bottom menu bar.
- Find the red icon with two Joy-Cons and the word “Online”—that’s the Nintendo Switch Online app.
- Open it and select the user profile linked to your Nintendo Account.
If you don’t see the app, double-check that your system is fully updated. Sometimes, a quick software update is all that’s missing.
Step 3: Locate the Bundled Game Section
Now that you’re inside the Nintendo Switch Online app, it’s time to find where Mario Kart World is hiding.
- Scroll up once to highlight your profile icon and press A.
- In the sub-menu, select “Manage Account Settings.”
- Wait for the Account Information screen to load—this might take a few seconds.
- On the left side, open the Settings menu (it’s usually at the bottom).
- Scroll all the way down until you see a section labeled “Products Bundled With This System.”
If you purchased the Mario Kart World bundle, the game should be listed here. If it’s not, don’t panic. There are a couple of reasons why this might happen, and we’ll cover fixes later.
Step 4: Download Mario Kart World
Found the game in the bundled products section? Great! Now, all you have to do is:
- Select “Mario Kart World” from the list.
- Hit “Download”—you might need to confirm this in a follow-up menu.
- Let the download run in the background.
Since Mario Kart World is a big game (over 20 GB), this could take a while depending on your internet speed. Grab a snack, stretch your legs, and let the console do its thing.
What If Mario Kart World Isn’t Showing Up?
If you’ve followed all the steps and still don’t see Mario Kart World in your bundled products, here are a few things to check:
- Did You Buy the Right Bundle? Some Switch 2 bundles come with a physical game card instead of a digital download. Check your box for an included game cartridge.
- Is Your Nintendo Account Linked Correctly? If you skipped linking your account during setup, the game won’t register. Go back and make sure everything is connected properly.
