Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2: A Definitive Review After Weeks on the Track

Mario Kart World has rapidly become the flagship experience for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, offering a reinvented approach to one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises.

Released as a launch title, Mario Kart World marks the first all-new installment in the series in over a decade, a milestone that set immense expectations for longtime fans eager to see how Nintendo would innovate for new hardware. When Mario Kart World hit the Nintendo eShop in March 2024, early adopters dove straight into its vast, open-map design—a departure from the traditional circuit-based structure.

This time, up to 24 players can compete simultaneously across expansive courses, an upgrade smartly mirrored by the wider tracks and the introduction of multiple alternate routes.

The result is a more dynamic race where crowding and chaos are balanced by clever level design, ensuring players are not punished by bottlenecks but rewarded for strategic route choices. "Multiplayer and online racing modes bring incredible longevity to Mario Kart World,” noted a staff reviewer after racing with colleagues online.

With Nintendo Switch 2’s improved online infrastructure, races remain stable and responsive, and game chat—currently free—makes each match satisfyingly social. Familiar favorites like Grand Prix, Time Trials, and VS Race return, though the top-tier 200cc mode is absent—meaning 150cc now presents a stiffer challenge than ever before.

The headline addition is the all-new Knockout Tour mode, where each checkpoint eliminates the slowest four racers in a continuous high-pressure sprint that has swiftly become a community favorite.

Mario Kart World’s interface also offers custom display options, allowing players to personalize their race view for comfort and clarity.

However, the game’s default to “Smart Steering” has been noted as an odd setup choice, so adjusting settings is recommended early on. Some modes, such as Battle, could use further development.

Currently limited to Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, Battle mode largely reuses modified racing tracks, echoing Mario Kart 8’s early design.

While the variety is there, longstanding fans may desire more tailored arenas to rejuvenate this legacy mode.

Track diversity is also a point of conversation; while classic courses like Choco Mountain return, nearly half the roster is borrowed from previous games, which slightly diminishes the impact of the fresh content. An unexpected highlight is Free Roam—the mode embraced for its relaxingly exploratory pace.

Players can traverse wide regions, hunt for collectibles, experiment with costumes, and enjoy dynamic day-night cycles.

P Switch missions inject challenge, often demanding advanced techniques and rewarding mastery, although room for improvement exists in tracking progress and user interface clarity, especially with the abundance of unlockables crowding navigation. One consistent point of praise is the game’s sound design.

Mario Kart World offers a standout soundtrack, mixing franchise classics with innovative remixes.

Reviewers have suggested adding a radio or customizable playlist, which would further enhance the experience during both races and exploration. After extensive play, Mario Kart World stands out as a worthy evolution for both veterans and newcomers to the series.

It offers polished performance on Nintendo Switch 2, with smooth visuals and tight controls.

While its standalone price of $79.99 may feel steep compared to prior entries given its smaller selection of new tracks, future free DLC is expected to broaden its scope and address community feedback. Summing up, Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2 delivers an exhilarating, modern racing experience—a strong reason to pick up the system and a promising foundation for years of future updates.

Whether racing for victory or cruising through the open world, it’s an essential addition to the Mario Kart legacy.

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