The Mushroom Kingdom’s racing crew makes a grand return with Mario Kart World, marking Nintendo’s first flagship kart racer for the Switch 2. Following Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s monumental success, this installment takes a daring leap by blending series staples with an expansive open environment. Does this new direction propel the franchise forward, or does it drift into unfamiliar territory? Let’s hit the gas and find out.

Breaking from tradition, Mario Kart World introduces a sprawling interconnected map fusing 30 tracks across diverse environments—bustling metropolises, tropical shores, treacherous volcanoes, and more. While structured races remain the focus, the addition of Free Roam lets players explore off-course areas at their leisure. Core mechanics retain the accessible drift-and-boost philosophy, though subtle tweaks refresh the formula: 24-racer chaos replaces 12-player caps, while Charge Jumps enable mid-air grinds and wall-clings for expert players seeking style points.

Course design shines through thematic creativity, whether dodging stampeding rhinos in Safari Speedway or navigating holographic obstacles in Neo Bowser City. While anti-gravity sections from prior entries are absent, dynamic elements like collapsing bridges and shifting weather keep races unpredictable. Visually, tracks dazzle at native 4K/60fps—crystal-clear water effects and particle-filled space stations push the Switch 2’s capabilities.

Grand Prix mode’s revamped structure merges traditional circuits with open-world traversal. Initial laps on signature tracks lead to transitional routes connecting subsequent races—a double-edged innovation. These intermissions allow discovery of shortcuts and Easter eggs but occasionally suffer from pacing issues during lengthy straights. Fresh battle royale-inspired Knockout Tour injects tension by eliminating backmarkers mid-event, though luck-based item strikes can frustrate strategic play.

Free Roam mode offers low-stakes exploration, rewarding curiosity with hidden coins and P-Switch challenges. While lacking narrative hooks, the sandbox delivers nostalgic joy reminiscent of classic Mario platformer hub worlds. Eight battle arenas revive frantic Balloon Battles with expanded player counts, while overhauled online matchmaking supports cross-region play (queue times vary).

Debates around value arise given the $80 price tag and reduced track count compared to MK8 Deluxe’s DLC-enhanced roster. However, visual leaps, mechanical polish, and the seamless world-building justify premium pricing for series devotees. With promised post-launch content, Mario Kart World positions itself as a foundational Switch 2 experience rather than a mere iteration.

This review utilized a Nintendo-provided copy of Mario Kart World.

8.5

WCCFTECH RATING

Mario Kart World