Mario Kart World Review: A Bold New Direction for the Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Mario Kart World propels Nintendo’s iconic racing franchise into a new era as the flagship launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Building upon the monumental success of Mario Kart 8—which has achieved some of the highest lifetime sales figures in video game history—Nintendo aims to both reinvent and celebrate the series, closing out more than a decade since the last fresh entry.

The arrival of Mario Kart World marks a decisive shift, introducing ambitious new features and content designed to appeal to both longtime fans and fresh competitors.

As a successor to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—a game that thrived on the Wii U and later dominated the Switch—Mario Kart World is introduced as the bold new centerpiece for Nintendo’s latest hardware.

While Mario Kart 8 was supported for years with content such as the Booster Course Pass, Mario Kart World delivers the largest character roster seen at launch, totaling 50 drivers.

This includes mainstays from the Mario universe alongside inventive additions like Stingby, Coin Coffer, and even the fan-favorite Cow, offering racers an eclectic set of options.

However, some series regulars such as Diddy Kong and the Koopalings are missing at launch, leaving room for potential future expansion.

Each unlockable character costume is individually represented on the selection screen, adding variety but slightly cluttering the user experience as players unlock more over time. Track variety is equally impressive, as players can race across 30 courses, encompassing a mix of meticulously designed new tracks and updated favorites from previous games.

Legendary venues like Peach Stadium and Crown City appear with fresh twists depending on the chosen Grand Prix, and as in tradition, the formidable Rainbow Road must be unlocked through gameplay.

Each course is crafted with detail and incorporates dynamic challenges, from navigating oncoming traffic to skillfully using items and performing aerial tricks.

The action on the track has never been more unpredictable, as the racer count has been expanded to 24 participants per event.

According to internal communications, Nintendo emphasizes that this boost in player count enhances the thrill and intensity of races, particularly in the online multiplayer modes.

The new Knockout Tour mode raises the stakes further, progressively eliminating racers until only the swiftest remain. Mastering Mario Kart World hinges on learning track layouts, exploiting shortcuts, and executing precise maneuvers.

The game introduces two inventive items: the Coin Shell, which scatters collectible coins, and Kamek, who can transform racers into a range of creatures.

The traversal system is notably overhauled, featuring the all-new Charge Jump and Wall Ride techniques—players can initiate vertical moves by drifting and riding up walls, introducing new layers of strategy and verticality to every course, old and new. Recognizing the demands of both new and returning players, Mario Kart World debuts a Rewind function for solo play, allowing racers to reverse recent mistakes and retry difficult segments without replaying entire tracks.

Meanwhile, Smart Steering aids beginners, though returning fans will note it is enabled by default and must be manually deactivated from the settings. A signature innovation in Mario Kart World is the Free Roam mode, connecting tracks across a large and cohesive map with seamless exploration.

While Nintendo producer Kosuke Yabuki clarified that the mode doesn’t fully embrace an open-world structure, it offers fans a playful environment packed with secrets, hidden Peach Medallions, "?" panels, and P-Switch time trials.

These challenges test mastery of new and existing traversal mechanics, rewarding exploration with customization options like stickers.

However, Free Roam has limitations including the absence of a minimap, lack of completion tracking, and no local split-screen multiplayer, which may frustrate completionists and co-op fans. The soundtrack stands out as a celebration of Mario Kart’s musical heritage, with over 200 remixed and newly recorded tracks spanning the series’ legacy.

Each race is accompanied by top-tier audio design, adding emotional resonance and energy to every competition. Overall, Mario Kart World secures its place as a compelling and innovative entry for the Nintendo Switch 2’s debut.

With its expanded multiplayer, inventive mechanics, and series-first features, it honors the franchise’s rich past while pushing its boundaries forward.

Although some aspects—such as roster gaps and Free Roam limitations—leave room for improvement, Mario Kart World lays a strong foundation for future support and updates.

As a launch title, it delivers robust content, approachable yet deep gameplay, and unmistakable Nintendo polish, making it a must-have racer for Switch 2 owners. Review copy provided by Nintendo UK.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch Kart Kosuke Yabuki Booster Course Pass Peach Stadium Crown City Dash Food Joy-Con 2 Mario series Smart Steering Peach Medallions P-Switch Nintendo UK