Mario Kart World is finally out, and the gaming community is buzzing. The game is bigger, messier, and doing stuff the series has never even tried before.
Released day one with the Switch 2, this is Nintendo’s not-so-subtle way of saying, “Hey, this is what the new console can really do.”
Built for the new console, it’s been eight years since the last main entry. Get ready to rev those engines. This is Mario Kart on something stronger.
Old Kart, New Engine
Mario Kart World isn’t some warmed-over upgrade; it’s the ninth main entry, built for Switch 2. That means high-definition graphics and sprawling, interconnected environments. Producer Kosuke Yabuki, a Nintendo EPD veteran since Mario Kart Wii, said these features have been on his list for years but weren’t possible before. Now, Switch 2 lets that vision happen.
One of the biggest changes is the 24-player races, double the usual 12 from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The chaos is massive. Yabuki explained this required rethinking how systems work to keep the action wild but not overwhelming.
And then there’s the world itself. Yabuki calls it “interconnected” rather than “open world.” Think branching locales instead of Breath of the Wild or Forza Horizon. Players can drive from Mushroom Kingdom’s grasslands to Bowser’s volcanic mountains in Free Roam mode. Courses are scattered across the map, letting players explore between races.
Drive Global, Race Local
The “global circuits” concept stands out. Instead of three laps on a closed course, the Grand Prix and Knockout Tour modes take you across destinations. You start at one spot, drive through highways to the next, and finish elsewhere. Some find the straightaways dull, others enjoy the journey.
The Knockout Tour is getting buzz. It’s a battle royale for Mario Kart. Players race across six map segments, and at each checkpoint, the bottom four racers are eliminated.
Visually, the game looks fantastic. Always colorful, but World takes it to “kaleidoscopic new heights”. The draw distance and lighting are a huge leap. You can spot other tracks far off. Character animations are highly expressive. The game runs at 60fps in docked and handheld, dipping to 30fps in 3-4 player split-screen.
Charge Jump: The Blue Shell’s New Enemy
A new Charge Jump mechanic changes things up. Hold the right shoulder button to crouch, then launch into the air, flipping in any direction. Not just for stunts, it’s used to grind rails, ride walls, and deflect items like blue shells. Optional for casuals, but adds a layer for veterans.
The roster is expanding. Besides the usual faces, players can race as Pokey, Pianta, Penguin, and even a Cow. Nintendo was surprised how excited fans were for Cow. Characters have tons of unlockable outfits and variants. Kart customization is gone, but there’s a variety of vehicles and characters, each with unique handling.
How It Stacks Up Against MK8 Deluxe
How does World stack up to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? While core controls feel familiar, World is much larger. 8 Deluxe was a refined version; World is a full new entry.
The 24-player races change race dynamics. Some say rubberbanding feels more intense, making first place harder to hold.
Intermission driving sections in Grand Prix are a big talking point. Since the courses are connected, players often only do one full lap. Some want a “Classic Grand Prix” with three-lap races, which can be done through Versus or Online modes.
Free Roam divides players. Some love cruising, finding P Switch challenges, and practicing wall-riding. Others feel it lacks rewards, offering mostly stickers and medallions.
The soundtrack shines. It’s being praised as one of Nintendo’s best, full of remixes that flow as you travel.
Multiplayer is smooth and lag-free online, even with 24 players. The GameChat feature with face projections brings hilarious moments. Split-screen can get chunky but stays fun.
The camera feature in Mario Kart World is COMEDY pic.twitter.com/aMwqLUmtxl
— 100 Thieves (@100Thieves) June 4, 2025
Many are calling Mario Kart World an evolution. It refines and expands the formula. Still very much Mario Kart at heart, but bigger with fresh tricks.
What’s Next for Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World launched on June 5th, 2025, alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s the console’s flagship launch title.
Its 24-player races and interconnected world were only possible with Switch 2’s stronger hardware. High-definition graphics, longer draw distance, improved lighting — the 60fps performance backs that up.
The Switch 2’s built-in camera lets Mario Kart World use GameChat and split-screen facial reactions.
Players are hoping for DLC and updates. Based on Nintendo’s history with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, more Free Roam content, new challenges, and maybe story elements could arrive. Many want a patch to add a “Classic Grand Prix” mode. There’s talk about a 200cc mode, but Nintendo is staying quiet.
Mario Kart World takes the series in a bold new direction, keeping the fun while adding big ideas. It’s chaotic, beautiful, and fun — even with a few quirks. Time to hit the road.