Mario Kart World is a kart racing game for the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring characters from the Mario franchise. It introduces an open-world design to the series, allowing players to drive freely between courses rather than selecting them from a menu. Races support up to 24 players and include new mechanics such as off-roading, boat racing, rail grinding, and wall riding. The game features a Knockout Tour elimination mode where racers compete across connected courses with periodic eliminations at checkpoints, as well as a Free Roam mode for open exploration and collectible-finding.
Nintendo finds the game in pretty solid shape as it enters 2026. There will undoubtedly be some DLC courses, characters, and cosmetics added over time, and Mario Kart World will continue to be a game that I will return to throughout the entire Switch 2 console generation.
If there's one game to pick up with the Nintendo Switch 2, it's Mario Kart World.
A lot of flash and some substance, it’s a very fun game in a package that doesn’t live up to its massive potential, much less the massive price tag it’s introduced to mainstream gaming.
A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage.
The classic Mario Kart experience has been enhanced by Nintendo Switch 2's hardware, Knockout Tour mode, and an open world to explore. This may be the best game in the franchise.
Free Roam is a major disappointment, but Mario Kart World is still an excellent game that helps justify purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2. It's the console's day-one killer app backed by an incredible soundtrack, well-rounded roster of characters, and addictive gameplay.
