Mario Kart World Review

Mario Kart World Review
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2

There are certain things you can count on with every Nintendo console, and Mario Kart is one of them. Since the days of the Super Nintendo, the series has been a staple on Nintendo with its bright, vibrant celebration of racing that’s just as fun alone as it is with a room full of mates. Mario Kart has grown into a global phenomenon. What started as a simple kart racer has become a cult franchise known the world over, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe standing as proof of just how enduring the formula is, spanning two whole console generations with ease. So when Mario Kart World was announced, promising to finally “open up the world” and let players break free from traditional tracks, I was excited. Could this be the next big leap for the series? A sign of how Mario Kart might evolve for the next decade? What’s it like? Grab a bite to eat, organise some mates, and put the pedal to the metal as we review Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2.

Despite its big changes, Mario Kart World feels instantly familiar the moment you hit the track. The controls are still tight as ever, and while the drifting mechanic feels a little different at first, it wasn’t long before I was sliding my way around corners and flinging shells like it was going out of fashion. Races now feature up to 24 competitors, adding a whole new layer of chaos to every event. It’s wild and sometimes overwhelming… but more on that later.

One of the game’s headline features is the introduction of driving to your next race throughout the open world, which are seamless stretches that connect race courses without breaking the action. These open-world highways are filled with familiar Mario enemies like Goombas that chase or obstruct you as you drive from one location to the next. Filling out the world with these characters and throwbacks makes the world feel more alive and interconnected than any Mario Kart before. The downside is that these sections are often long, wide, and straight, lacking the tight design and challenge of proper race tracks. New traversal moves like grinding rails and wall riding help spice things up, and I’ve already seen some insane clips online of players pulling off ridiculous stunts using these abilities. But for casual players, these road trips can sometimes feel like a novelty rather than the main event.

Beyond the racing itself, the open world offers plenty of missions, secrets, and hidden challenges to discover. There are unlockables tucked away in hard-to-reach spots, side objectives that reward exploration, and small tasks that offer bonuses or cosmetic rewards. For players who enjoy poking around every corner, there’s enough here to make free-roaming feel worthwhile, at least for a while. It’s a nice extra layer for completionists or those who want a break from the chaos of the main races.

Knockout Tour is another fresh addition, bringing a battle royale twist to racing. At every checkpoint of these huge races, the lowest-placed racers are eliminated until only a winner remains. It’s a surprisingly fun mode, and my daughter and I spent ages racing from one end of the map to the other in these showdowns, and it was an absolute blast. We were laughing and teaming up to take out other racers while she giggled maniacally. This is one of the few places where the open world actually feels like it’s being used to its full potential.

Classic modes like Grand Prix, Battle Mode, and Time Trials are all here and as polished as ever. Grand Prix usually kicks off on a traditional track, then road trips you to a second area, before finishing with a big set-piece race. The first cup nails this structure, ending at DK Spaceport, where you’re dodging barrels and a giant mechanical Donkey Kong in what feels more like a cinematic boss fight than a standard race. It’s moments like these where the new ideas really shine. That said, I do wish there were some traditional cups where you simply race from one course to the next, without the in-between travel. As fun as the spectacle of the open world can be, it wears off over time, especially when you’re forced to drive through bland stretches just to get to the next exciting event. The balance isn’t perfect either, with 24 racers hurling items around, the chaos can get excessive. It’s not uncommon to be leading a race comfortably, only to get hit with two or three blue shells in a row and tumble down the rankings. I know that’s part of Mario Kart’s charm, but with so many racers on the track, the item pile-ons can feel frustrating, especially when you’re driving your heart out only to finish in 7th or 8th through no fault of your own.

There’s no doubt that Mario Kart World tries some bold new things. Of the fresh additions, Knockout Tour stands out as a genuinely fun and exciting mode. The open world, on the other hand, feels more like a superfluous extra. Some players are going to enjoy the freedom to roam, hunt for secrets, and take in the scenery between races, but for me, the heart of Mario Kart is still in its classic, tightly designed track racing. The thrill of fighting for first place on a twisting course packed with hazards simply can’t be replaced by open highways and wandering Goombas. It’s an interesting experiment, but not an essential part of what makes the game shine.

That said, it’s great to see Nintendo taking risks with the formula after so many years of refinement. The open world concept might not hit the mark perfectly this time, but it could open the door to more exciting possibilities… imagine DLC expansions that let you drive all the way to Hyrule or the Mushroom Kingdom’s deeper corners. There’s real potential here if they build on it the right way. If anything needs work, it’s the item balancing. Races with 24 players are impressive in scale, but also overwhelming with the sheer number of shells, bombs, and traps flying around. When you’re in the lead, it can feel like the entire pack is ganging up on you, making it tough to stay ahead no matter how well you drive. It’s classic Mario Kart chaos, turned up maybe a little too high.

Mario Kart World is a gorgeous game and a clear step up thanks to the Switch 2’s extra horsepower, but it’s not just raw power that makes it shine. There are the little touches, like the way the karts dip and sway with the suspension, to the bigger things like how Hammer Bros toss obstacles onto the highway mid-race, all help the world feel alive and full of energy. There’s a real sense of wonder and spectacle here that leans into everything fans love about the series. The art direction across the courses stays true to the franchise. The opening cup is a perfect example of how creative the team has been, starting with the dusty, familiar charm of Mario Raceway before blasting off to the futuristic DK Spaceport, complete with barrels and a giant mechanical Donkey Kong to dodge. It’s dramatic, playful, and packed with personality and the grand set-piece design that makes races feel memorable. Characters still burst with charm, too, with their usual expressions and flair… though sadly, Angry Luigi doesn’t make a return appearance this time.

Performance-wise, the game doesn’t skip a beat in single-player, running smoothly without frame drops. Split-screen holds up well, too, though it does drop to 30 frames per second compared to the single-player’s higher frame rate. Still, even with four players on one screen, the experience remains solid and clean. Overall, this is an impressive visual package, and given this is only the start of the Switch 2’s life, it’s exciting to think where Nintendo might take Mario Kart next.

Mario Kart World features a fantastic soundtrack packed with an incredible number of tracks. Most of the music leans into Nintendo’s signature big brass band, bombastic style that perfectly matches the game’s vibrant and energetic atmosphere. I loved the nostalgic nods sprinkled throughout, especially the kickbacks to Mario 64, which added a warm sense of familiarity and charm. One thing I do wish the game included is a dedicated track selection mode, letting players pick their favourite tunes while racing or exploring. Fingers crossed the soundtrack makes its way to the Nintendo Music app soon, so we can enjoy these tunes outside the game.

For my Mushroom Kingdom karters looking into accessibility, I’m pleased to report that Mario Kart World includes some helpful features like Smart Steering, Auto Accelerate, and Tilt Controls. Beyond these difficulty modifiers, however, there aren’t many dedicated accessibility options. As always, I recommend doing further research to see if Mario Kart suits your personal needs. At $120 AUD, there’s a lot of game and polish here to keep you entertained, not only during this launch period but throughout the entire Switch 2 lifecycle. With plenty of courses, modes, and secrets to unlock, it’s a package that offers solid value, especially for fans of the series. This is a fantastic start for the Switch 2, and I’m genuinely excited to see where Mario Kart and other first-party titles will go from here.

Mario Kart World had big rims to fill after Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and it delivers. While the open world might not be the be-all and end-all, the core remains a slick, classic racer that will be pulled out at parties and road trips for years to come. It’s a game suited for all kinds of players, bringing them together with the signature magic that Nintendo delivers. Whether you’re a seasoned speedrunner, a casual family gamer, or just someone looking for a good time with friends, you’re in for a good time. Mario Kart World has sped onto the Switch 2 with all the bells and whistles. It’s fast, fun, and never seems to bore. Nintendo have earned its spot on the podium for Switch 2 launch titles with Mario Kart World… Now, time for another lap!

So What’s It Like? Mario Kart World is like taking Mario Kart off the beaten track.

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