With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has introduced its latest entry in the iconic racing franchise: Mario Kart World. Marketed as the first Mario Kart game to feature a true open-world driving experience, it shakes up the formula in several notable ways—including bringing back pre-made karts instead of the custom builds from Mario Kart 8. However, the game has faced backlash, mainly due to its price and the overall cost of the new console.
Price and Value: Worth the investment?
According to the Nintendo eShop and retail stores, Mario Kart World launches at a retail price of $80. This is $20 more than the standard price of a Nintendo Switch game. If you purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 console bundled with Mario Kart World, the total comes to $499.99, effectively adding just $50 to the price of your console. The only catch is that the game in this bundle is not a physical cartridge, but rather a digital activation code for the game. For many, that’s a small trade-off for savings, but some collectors may be disappointed.
A lot of criticism focuses on the price, rather than what the game offers. Nintendo justifies the higher cost by pointing to the extensive development time and effort poured into Mario Kart World.
Tracks, Characters, and Customization: What’s New?
No track is recycled from previous entries. Every single track in Mario Kart World is brand new and not seen before in any other Mario Kart game! This fresh lineup ensures a sense of discovery and excitement for both longtime fans and newcomers.
While many favorite characters return from Mario Kart 8, characters like Inkling, Link, Villager, and the Koopalings are notably absent.
A unique feature this time is character costumes, which players can unlock by finding and eating food hidden throughout the different regions of the open world. This adds a layer of exploration and incentive to roam the map.
Game Modes: Bigger, Bolder, and More Competitive
Mario Kart World brings back classic modes like Grand Prix and Battle. It also introduces two exciting new game modes; Knockout Tour and Free Roam.
Knockout Tour has players racing from one area of the map to the next, passing through six checkpoints. You must finish within a certain bracket (e.g., top 12) in order to advance, otherwise you are disqualified from the race. This game mode helps you learn the ins and outs of all the new tracks and keep the competition intense.
Free Roam is what the name suggests. There is no primary goal other than driving freely across the world without any specific goal.
Most game modes (other than Free Roam) now support up to 24 players, making the game much more competitive. Online multiplayer mode is back, allowing you to compete with racers from around the world. It does get chaotic with 24 players playing, but it makes for some truly memorable moments.
New Features and Gameplay Innovations
Mario Kart World introduces several exciting new features:
Wallriding
You are able to wallride by jump boosting or tricking onto a wall. This allows you to access different areas of the map, find shortcuts, and even gain a bigger speed boost!
Jump boosts
You can jump boost by pressing down the drift button without moving the joysticks and holding it down for a moment. This allows you to jump up, being able to access new shortcuts, or even bounce on top of other players!
Grinding
Specific tracks feature rails or ledges that can be grinded for bonus speed and style points, much like in extreme sports games. You can use the same jump boost, tricks, or wallride to grind on certain objects and rails, allowing you to stick closer to certain areas, gain a speed boost, etc.
Rewind
The rewind mechanic lets players undo their last few seconds after major crashes, providing a more forgiving (yet limited) way to recover from mistakes. This is balanced with a cooldown period to prevent overuse.
Graphics, Audio, and Technical Performance
Visual Upgrades
Mario Kart World is stunning, with the Switch 2’s improved hardware powering crisp textures, expansive draw distances, and lively animations. Weather and time-of-day effects further immerse players in each region.
Soundtrack & Effects
The soundtrack features orchestral remixes of classic Mario Kart tunes alongside new, region-specific tracks. Sound effects are punchy and satisfying, from engine roars to item explosions.
Frame Rate/Loading Times
The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second in both handheld and docked modes, with minimal loading times—ensuring seamless play, especially online.
Controls and Accessibility
Handling and Responsiveness
Controls feel tight and responsive, with improved haptic feedback thanks to the Switch 2’s updated controllers. Drifting, tricking, and wallriding all feel natural after a short adjustment period.
Accessibility Options
Mario Kart World includes customizable controls, colorblind modes, and adjustable difficulty settings, making it welcoming to new players and those with accessibility needs.
Progression and Unlocks
How Progression Works
Progression is tied to both race results and exploration, with points earned for winning events, discovering new areas, and collecting hidden items.
Rewards and Collectibles
Unlocks include new costumes, kart parts, and even rare character skins—giving players plenty of goals to chase beyond just leaderboard positions.
Comparison to Previous Mario Kart Titles
Key Differences
- Open World: The biggest leap forward, dramatically changing how races and exploration work.
- Track Design: No retro tracks, only new ones—forcing even veterans to learn from scratch.
- Player Count: Doubled, making for more crowded and unpredictable races.
What’s Missing?
Some beloved characters and classic track remakes are gone for now, and the digital-only bundle may not satisfy physical collectors.
Community Feedback and Critic Reception
Player Reviews
Initial player feedback is largely positive, praising the open-world structure and wealth of content, though some lament the loss of retro tracks and missing characters.
Notable Critic Opinions
Major gaming outlets have awarded Mario Kart World high marks for innovation, but some reviews express concern over the increased price and chaotic 24-player races.
Mario Kart World Review: Is Mario Kart World Really Worth It?
If you’re a Mario Kart fan or love open-world racing games, Mario Kart World represents a major leap forward. The blend of fresh tracks, massive multiplayer races, and innovative gameplay mechanics makes this the most ambitious Mario Kart to date. The higher price tag is offset by the sheer amount of content and replay value.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Mario Kart World?
Mario Kart World is a bold reinvention of Nintendo’s flagship racer. While its price is higher than past entries, the game delivers an impressive package of new content, open-world exploration, and innovation that will keep fans engaged for years. If you’re ready for a new Mario Kart experience—and especially if you’re upgrading to Switch 2—this is a must-play.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Mario Kart World available on the original Nintendo Switch?
No, Mario Kart World is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 due to the advanced hardware requirements and open-world structure.
2. Are there any microtransactions or paid DLC?
As of launch, Mario Kart World does not feature microtransactions. Nintendo has hinted at potential DLC for new tracks or characters in future updates.
3. Can you still play local split-screen multiplayer?
Yes! Up to four players can race together on a single Switch 2 console, with full support for wireless play across multiple systems.
4. Are all the tracks new, or are there returning favorites?
All tracks in Mario Kart World are new. There are currently no retro tracks or remakes from earlier games.
5. How does the rewind feature work?
The rewind feature lets you undo your last few seconds of gameplay after a crash or mistake. It has a cooldown period to prevent constant use.
6. What characters are missing compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?
Inkling, Link, Villager, and the Koopalings are among the notable absentees. Nintendo may add more characters in future updates.
7. Is Mario Kart World beginner-friendly?
Yes! Accessibility options and assist modes help newcomers, but the new mechanics reward skillful play.
