At long last Mario Kart World is here, along with the Nintendo Switch 2 and we dove straight in to see if it lives up to the hype.
I have to start with a confession: I haven’t been this excited about a video game launch in years. It’s been a long time since I got this excited for a Mario Kart game, I think the last one I played was Mario Kart Wii and that was a long time ago in terms of video games. So when Mario Kart World was revealed to be launching with the Nintendo Switch 2, let’s just say I was more than a little excited.
Mario Kart World
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Mario Kart World is the eleventh main entry in the Mario Kart video game series and the first to be released since Mario Kart Tour in 2019. As mentioned above, it is also the first in the series to be released for the Nintendo Switch 2 and is exclusive to that console.
For this review, I played Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 in TV mode using a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
The Gameplay
In broad strokes Mario Kart World doesn’t deviate that far from the pattern established by previous entries in the series. The player still has the option of playing against the CPU or against other players whether in multiplayer mode or online mode, though that requires a Nintendo Switch Online account. There are still a series of Grand Prix races; Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, etc. Where this game really shines though is in the details.
First of all, Mario Kart World takes video game racing to a whole new level by allowing 24 players on the track at the same time, double what a Mario Kart race usually consists of. As you might expect, this can lead to some serious insanity, particularly when racing in Online mode as I quickly discovered. I mean that in the best way possible, as Mario Kart World is the most fun when playing against other people. Playing against the CPU is entertaining also, especially if you want to spend time learning the various tracks, but those who crave a true challenge will want to seek out Online mode.
Then there’s the tracks. These are a mixture of older tracks upgraded for Mario Kart World, while others are brand new, but all of them look stunning on the Nintendo Switch 2. A variety of terrains are featured, from paved roads to desert sands, to even racing across the waves of the ocean! Consequently, each track presents unique challenges and you have to think fast to avoid some of the obstacles.
Mario Kart World also features a brand new mode called “Knockout Tour.” This is a massive race across the length of the map but there’s a catch: once the race starts the player has to stay ahead of a certain cutoff point to keep going. For instance, by a certain checkpoint, only the Top 18 will continue, then the Top 14, and so on. This mode is wild! The way it’s set up, no sooner do you miss a cutoff then you’re eager to try again and see if you can make it all the way to the end.
Seek Out the Unlockables
One feature I really love in Mario Kart World that I believe is new for this game is the unlockable content. These consist of various characters, decorative stickers, and alternate costumes that can be unlocked throughout gameplay. Most of the unlockable characters, it should be noted, can be gained by completing each of the cup races. The player doesn’t have to win, just finish all four. Others seem to be unlocked through mid-race shenanigans. Basically, the more you race, the more you’ll unlock.
Another neat unlockable item is the various stickers that can be gained. Stickers can be unlocked for how many kilometers you’ve raced, how many tricks you’ve done, how many coins you’ve earned, etc. These stickers can then be used to personalize the kart vehicles. It’s a smaller detail, but I like that Nintendo included it.
Free Roam is Cool!
Like many, I was curious to see what Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World would be like. Having driven a great distance to my heart’s content, I have to say this is one of the coolest things Nintendo has done with the Mario Kart series. It’s true there aren’t a ton of things to do compared to a proper open world game, but if you’ve ever wanted to just freely race around the map, practice tricks or do a test run on a given track, then this mode is perfect for you. Plus, I won’t give away what it is, but there is at least one thing that can be unlocked through Free Roam, but you have to search carefully for it.
A Good Introduction for the Nintendo Switch 2
As far as the new console goes, Mario Kart World is a fantastic introduction for the Nintendo Switch 2. The graphics are eye popping and everything just runs smooth. There’s really no better word to describe it: there’s no lag, online races are set in hardly any time at all. You can definitely tell there’s a powerful processor driving the console along (no pun intended). If you’re fortunate enough to have a Nintendo Switch 2 in your possession, definitely get Mario Kart World, it’s worth your time.
