For years, fans speculated whether Nintendo was holding back on the Mario Kart franchise. Aside from mobile offshoots and regional arcade titles, the only major release in a decade was an upgraded Wii U port. That all changes with Mario Kart World — a true next-generation experience built for the Nintendo Switch 2.
A Racing Revolution
At its core, Mario Kart World redefines how races unfold. Gone are isolated circuits. Instead, each course is woven into a fully interconnected open world, marking a franchise-first shift in structure. Grand Prix tournaments no longer feel like disjointed events but rather integrated parts of a vast, living map. The result? A more immersive and dynamic racing experience.
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This world isn’t just a backdrop — it’s explorable. Players can roam freely, uncovering hidden Peach Medallions, completing P-Switch time challenges, or tracking down elusive Yoshi collectibles. While the world might feel sparse in some sections, the sense of discovery and mobility keeps it engaging.
Gameplay Mechanics: Bold Shifts Ahead
Veteran players may notice some controversial tweaks. Kart customization has been removed, with each vehicle now fixed in its specs. The inside-drift mechanic — beloved by bike users — is gone, standardizing vehicle handling across the board. Additionally, the driving physics now lean toward a weightier, more realistic feel.
However, these changes raise the skill ceiling. Features like charge jumping, rail grinding, and wall riding add new layers of depth. Combined with auto-dragging items (like bananas and shells), players are encouraged to push racing strategies to their limits. Competitive communities are already uncovering high-level tactics within a week of launch.
Knockout Tour & Multiplayer Expansion
The standout addition is Knockout Tour — a high-stakes, 24-player mode that infuses battle royale elements into kart racing. It’s frantic, challenging, and perfectly suited for online play. Between this and the broad roster of unlockable content, Mario Kart World is well-equipped to dominate Switch 2 multiplayer scenes.
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Final Verdict: 9/10 — Excellent
Mario Kart World takes creative risks — and they pay off. While purists may debate the loss of certain mechanics, the game’s scale, ambition, and gameplay innovations mark a bold new direction for the franchise. It’s not just the next Mario Kart — it’s the future of Nintendo racing.
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a newcomer, Mario Kart World offers a rich and evolving experience that’s built to last.
