Game: Mario Kart World
Genre: Party, Racing
System: Nintendo Switch 2
Developer|Publisher: Nintendo
Age Rating: EU 3+ | US Everyone
Price: US $74.99 | UK 66.99 | EU €74,99
Release Date: June 5th, 2025
No code provided, reviewer purchased.
Mario Kart World – Giving It Time to Breathe
Mario Kart World arrived alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 back in June, and like many people, I picked it up right away. Unlike many launch reviews, though, this one took its time. I wanted to step away from the hype, let the dust settle, and see how the game felt after months of dipping in and out. Sometimes the real test of a game isn’t the launch buzz, but whether you’re still smiling when you boot it up half a year later.
Good news: it holds up incredibly well.
I’ve never considered myself a superfan of the series, but I’ve certainly spent many hours with it over the years. Mario Kart 64 was once my go-to, later replaced by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which became a staple for online sessions with friends. Mario Kart World adds enough new ideas to feel like more than just another entry. Even now, it still feels great to play. It’s no surprise that over half of the owners of a Switch 2 have it.
A Bigger Cast Than Ever
One of the first things you’ll notice is just how packed the roster is. Yes, all the familiar faces are here, but Mario Kart World goes much further. Instead of stopping at the usual lineup, the game leans into the wider Mario universe, pulling in enemies and oddball characters that would once have felt like background details. Racing as a cactus, a dolphin, or some wonderfully obscure picks feels delightfully silly.
You don’t start with everything unlocked. Characters and karts unlock naturally as you race, collect coins, and progress through the game. It reminded me a little of how Smash Bros. Ultimate drip-fed content over time, giving each session a small sense of reward. Kart stats are still present, with speed, handling, and acceleration all playing a role, but the system stays approachable. You can tweak things if you want, or simply pick something that looks fun and get racing.
Easy to Learn, Flexible to Play
Mario Kart World continues the series tradition of being welcoming to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players. Controls feel tight and responsive, whether you’re playing docked or handheld. If this is your first Mario Kart, you’ll be up and running in minutes. If you’ve been playing for years, there’s still plenty of room to push yourself and master drifting.
Difficulty options range from relaxed to genuinely demanding, and accessibility features like steering assist are once again included. It’s nice knowing the game can meet players where they are, whether that’s a child’s first race or a late-night competitive session with friends. You really can shape the experience to suit your mood.
Tracks Like Journeys
The biggest change comes with the tracks themselves. Instead of every race being three tidy laps around a circuit, many races now feel like continuous journeys. You might still lap a track in some modes, but many courses unfold as one long route, moving you through different environments without repetition.
You’re constantly seeing new scenery, new hazards, and new set pieces. Some tracks are outright cinematic, with massive creatures looming in the distance or environmental elements interacting with the race as it unfolds. I never felt bored mid-race, and more than once I caught myself distracted by what was happening around me, usually just before driving straight off the road.
The game supports up to 24 racers, which sounds overwhelming on paper. In practice, it just works. Races remain readable, and while items are flying everywhere, it never tipped into frustration for me. Even the dreaded blue shell felt balanced in a way that kept races competitive rather than exhausting.
Modes Old and New
Grand Prix remains the backbone, but there’s plenty more on offer. Knockout Tour, an endurance-style elimination mode, quickly became a favourite. Racing across multiple sections while watching competitors drop out adds a real sense of tension. Battle modes return as well, including Balloon Battle and coin-focused matches, and they’re just as enjoyable as ever.
Then there’s Free Roam, the new open-world mode. Initially, I wasn’t sure how much I’d care for it. There’s no heavy structure, and it’s more about exploration than competition. Over time, though, it became my go-to relaxation mode. Cruising around the world, stumbling into mini challenges, and discovering new areas felt oddly calming. It won’t be for everyone, but as a low-pressure way to enjoy the game’s world, it’s a nice addition.
Performance and Presentation
Visually, Mario Kart World looks bright, smooth, and confident. On Switch 2, performance is excellent, both docked and handheld. Even without a fancy 4K display setup (I’m still stuck in the past), the game feels fluid and responsive. Load times are short, frame rate is stable, and everything just works as it should.
Sound design is equally strong, with a huge variety of music tracks that keep races feeling lively. Whether playing solo or with friends, it’s a consistently polished experience.
Conclusion: 1st Place
Months after launch, Mario Kart World still earns its place as a must-have Switch 2 title. It doesn’t try to shout about its changes, but instead quietly layers them into a formula that already works. The result is a racer that’s easy to enjoy, flexible in how you play, and packed with content.
If you own a Switch 2, chances are you’ve already played it. If not, this is still an easy recommendation. It’s a game that doesn’t demand much from you, but gives plenty back in return. An easy go-to for game nights with friends, local or online.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up