Nintendo Discontinues Mario Kart 8 Wii U Premium Pack in Japan, Introduces New Super Mario Maker Bundles

Nintendo has officially announced that the Mario Kart 8 Wii U Premium Pack bundle will be discontinued in Japan, closing out a notable chapter in the company’s recent hardware strategy.

Originally launched in November to boost Wii U sales during the festive season, this bundle stood out by offering the only opportunity for consumers to purchase the coveted White 32GB Wii U model—an option not made available in Western markets. In a recent announcement, Nintendo confirmed that production of this distinctive bundle is set to end soon.

While the Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack will soon be absent from Japanese retailers, Nintendo is ensuring that the White 32GB Wii U remains accessible by unveiling a new hardware offering: two fresh Super Mario Maker Wii U Premium Pack bundles. Each of these replacement bundles includes a White 32GB Wii U console, a matching White Wii U GamePad, a downloadable copy of Super Mario Maker, and the game’s highly regarded Artbook, which offers fans behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process.

As for customization, consumers can choose between the two bundles: one standard package, or another that adds the Classic Colours Mario amiibo—offered for an additional 1,000 yen (approximately £5.15). Super Mario Maker, developed by Nintendo EAD Group No.

4, quickly became one of the Wii U’s most creative and innovative exclusive titles.

The game empowers players to design, play, and share their own Super Mario levels using a robust set of editing tools.

The launch of these bundles coincides with the game’s Japanese release date of September 10th, and global rollout on September 11th, marking a significant moment for both the hardware’s lifecycle and the series’ evolution. Nintendo’s decision to sunset the Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack in favor of Super Mario Maker bundles demonstrates the company’s commitment to adapting its product lineup based on market demand and consumer preference.

For collectors and fans, the bundled White 32GB Wii U remains a notable piece of hardware history, while the new releases further cement Nintendo’s continued support for the Wii U platform and its dedicated Japanese audience. For gamers looking to revisit the Wii U’s legacy or newcomers eager to experience one of Nintendo’s most ambitious creative suites, the new Super Mario Maker Premium Packs provide an attractive way to get started—ensuring the iconic White Wii U console endures in the hands of fans.