Charles Esther
The Switch 2 launched with an impressive lineup of games, but few exclusives are as anticipated as Mario Kart World.
This title is Nintendo’s flagship launch game and the first all-new Mario Kart release since Mario Kart 8 debuted on the Wii U in 2014.
As a longtime fan, I’ve spent countless hours racing through the tracks since the launch, and here are my early impressions.
What Sets Mario Kart World Apart?
Mario Kart World is unique as a Switch 2 exclusive and represents the first major new Mario Kart installment in over a decade.
The game adopts an open-world design, a big change that many fans requested.
Instead of isolated circuits, tracks are integrated into a seamless world.
Players race not only on courses but also drive between them, creating a continuous racing experience.
This fresh approach includes a Free Roam mode, filled with challenges and collectibles, allowing players to explore the game’s expansive map at their leisure.
Other new features include an increased limit of 24 racers, a Knockout Tour battle royale mode, new vehicle types and characters, and innovative mechanics like wall riding and grinding.
Overall, Mario Kart World feels built from the ground up for the Switch 2’s enhanced graphics, faster load times, and improved multiplayer, including GameChat support.
Nintendo’s Polished Visuals and Sound
Mario Kart World is the first game in the series to target 4K resolution, and it looks fantastic.
Nintendo’s signature art style, blending vibrant colors and charming characters, perfectly complements the technical improvements.
Details like realistic road textures and fluid water animations elevate the visual experience.
The iconic Mario Kart soundtrack shines through the Switch 2’s upgraded speakers, making the audio a joy to experience.
Gameplay: Familiar but Fresh
The gameplay preserves the core Mario Kart experience fans love — the thrill of power sliding, strategic item use, and clutch victories.
Returning players will quickly feel at home, while new players can appreciate the accessible mechanics.
Racing remains as chaotic and fun as ever, with moments of triumph and frustration in equal measure.
Free Roam Mode: Exploration with Mixed Results
Free Roam is accessible from the main menu and lets players drive freely across the open-world map.
The mode includes various challenges, such as dodging traffic or collecting coins, to earn stickers.
However, these challenges feel somewhat repetitive and less engaging compared to the main racing modes.
Still, the driving mechanics make exploration enjoyable, revealing hidden details in the world that add to the game’s charm.
Content and Variety
Mario Kart World features 32 official courses, which Nintendo claims translates to over 100 variations when considering different route segments and weather conditions.
The game offers a mix of new locations like Crown City and revamped classics like the Wario Shipyard.
Dynamic weather and a day-night cycle add freshness to familiar tracks.
There are 50 unlockable characters, including quirky choices like a Piranha Plant and a Goomba, each with alternate costumes for extra flair.
Knockout Tour: The Standout Mode
The Knockout Tour mode is a highlight, featuring 24 racers competing to survive multiple rounds until only four remain.
This mode’s nonstop excitement and shifting goals add tension and fun, especially in online multiplayer.
It makes great use of the game’s open-world design by mixing courses instead of repeating laps.
Is Mario Kart World Worth Buying?
If you enjoy Mario Kart, Mario Kart World is a must-play.
While Free Roam might not capture everyone’s interest, the new open-world design and Knockout Tour mode bring fresh excitement.
Local multiplayer remains a core strength, supporting up to four players on one console, with online play offering GameChat and multiplayer lobbies.
For new Switch 2 owners, Mario Kart World is an excellent launch title.
Whether it justifies buying the console depends on your love for kart racing and local multiplayer.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Switch 2
Mario Kart World sets a strong foundation for the Switch 2’s future, with room for expansions and seasonal updates.
The console also has other exciting titles on the horizon, like Donkey Kong Bonanza and an optimized Metroid Prime 4.
Nintendo continues supporting its legacy games with upgrades for Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon series, enhancing the overall appeal of the platform.
Final Thoughts
Mario Kart World delivers a fresh, polished, and fun racing experience that both new players and veterans can enjoy.
Its open-world innovation breathes new life into a beloved franchise and perfectly showcases what the Switch 2 can do.
If you’re planning to get a Switch 2, this is a game you won’t want to miss.
