Mario Kart is one of the most beloved racing series ever, and Mario Kart World is its biggest leap in years. Released as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, it connects tracks into one large world, doubles the number of racers and introduces new modes and techniques. It is chaotic, colourful and incredibly fun with friends.
We spent many evenings racing locally and online. Here is our review.
A connected world
The biggest change is that tracks are now part of a single, connected world. In Grand Prix mode, you race on a track, then continue driving along routes that lead to the next track. This makes cups feel like road trips rather than separate races.
The connected routes add variety and a sense of journey. Some routes are exciting, with shortcuts and interesting scenery. Others are long, straight roads that feel less exciting than classic tracks.
24 racers
Races now include 24 racers instead of 12. This makes races even more chaotic. Items fly everywhere, positions change constantly and the final stretch can be unpredictable. Some players love the chaos, while others find it frustrating when an item at the last second ruins their lead. That chaos is part of Mario Kart’s identity, and it is turned up to the maximum here.
Knockout Tour
Knockout Tour is the standout mode. It is a long rally across multiple sections of the world, with checkpoints where the slowest racers are eliminated. As the race continues, the pack gets smaller and the tension rises. Surviving to the final checkpoint and winning feels fantastic.
Knockout Tour online is especially exciting, and it quickly became our favourite way to play.
New techniques
Mario Kart World adds new movement options. You can grind on rails, ride along walls for short periods and charge jumps to reach shortcuts. These techniques add depth for experienced players and create new routes on tracks. Learning them takes practice, but they are not essential for casual players.
Characters and costumes
The roster includes classic Mario characters and some surprising additions, including unusual characters that fans have found very funny. Characters can unlock costumes by eating special foods at shops around the world, which adds a fun collecting element.
Free Roam
Free Roam lets you explore the open world freely. You can find collectibles, complete small challenges and discover hidden areas. It is relaxing at first, but there is not much to do in the long term. It feels more like a playground than a full open-world mode.
Multiplayer
Mario Kart World shines in multiplayer. Local split-screen is perfect for family nights, and online play supports large lobbies. Playing with friends, shouting about blue shells and trading wins is what Mario Kart is all about.
Visuals and performance
The game looks bright and detailed on Switch 2, with smooth performance in most situations. Split-screen with four players reduces some visual quality, but it remains enjoyable.
Weaknesses
Some connecting routes in Grand Prix feel boring compared to dedicated tracks. Free Roam lacks meaningful rewards. And because it is exclusive to Switch 2, it requires new hardware, which is a significant cost for many families.
Tips for new players
- Use smart steering and auto-accelerate for young children
- Practise drifting to build mini-turbos
- Learn rail grinding and wall riding for shortcuts
- Hold defensive items like bananas behind you when leading
- Try Knockout Tour online for the most exciting races
Who is it for?
Mario Kart World is perfect for families, friends and anyone who owns a Switch 2. Competitive players will enjoy its new techniques, while casual players will love the chaos.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mario Kart World on the original Switch? No. It is a Nintendo Switch 2 game.
Is it good for kids? Yes. Assist options make it easy for younger players to join in.
Do I need online membership for online play? Online play on Nintendo consoles typically requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Is it worth buying a Switch 2 for?
For families and friend groups who love local multiplayer, Mario Kart World is one of the strongest reasons to buy a Switch 2. Combined with other Nintendo exclusives, it offers many hours of fun. However, if you mainly play alone and do not care for racing games, it may not be enough on its own.
Comparing it to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the original Switch is one of the best-selling games ever, with a huge selection of tracks and polished gameplay. Mario Kart World changes the formula with its connected world, more racers and new modes. Some fans still prefer the tight, separate tracks of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, while others love the sense of adventure in World. In our opinion, Knockout Tour alone makes World feel fresh enough to be worth the upgrade.
Party tips
For the best party experience, set races to lower speed classes when playing with beginners, turn on assists for younger players and rotate controllers so everyone gets a turn. Keep some snacks ready, because Knockout Tour sessions can easily last longer than planned.
Online play and ranks
Online lobbies are busy and matchmaking is quick. Each player has a rating that rises and falls with results, so you are generally matched with players of similar skill over time. Large 24-player online races are wonderfully messy, and Knockout Tour online creates tense moments as the field shrinks.
Connection quality matters. Playing on a stable home Wi-Fi connection usually works fine, but a wired LAN adapter can help if you notice lag during races. If you play in handheld mode outside the house, mobile hotspots can be unreliable for online play.
Battle mode
Battle mode returns with balloon and coin-based games in special arenas. It is a fun break from racing, especially with friends in the same room. It does not have the depth of the main racing modes, but it adds variety to party nights.
Verdict
Mario Kart World is a bold and exciting evolution of the series. Its connected world, 24-racer chaos and brilliant Knockout Tour make it one of the most fun multiplayer games available. Some routes and Free Roam need more substance, but if you own a Switch 2, it is a must-have for parties and family nights.
