Mario Kart World – A Whole World of Kart Racing Evolution

Nintendo just pulled back the curtain on Mario Kart World during the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, marking a triumphant return to the franchise after an 11-year gap since the last brand-new entry. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment, especially after the colossal success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which has sold over 67 million copies on the original Nintendo Switch, making it the console’s best-selling title by a landslide.

Originally launched on the Wii U in 2014 and later enhanced for the Switch in 2017, Mario Kart 8 became the definitive kart racing experience, bolstered by years of updates and DLC. But after a decade without a completely fresh Mario Kart, the time was ripe for something new—and Mario Kart World feels like the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. With its ambitious scope and series first features, it’s poised to carry the torch forward, leveraging the new console’s power to deliver a racing experience that could redefine the series.

A Visual and Technical Leap Forward

Mario Kart World promises a significant upgrade in graphical fidelity and its physics engine, taking full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s enhanced hardware. While exact specifications for the console remain under wraps, the trailer showcased vibrant, expansive environments that dwarf the tracks of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

The art style pops with richer colors and more detailed textures, from sprawling canyons to lush jungles, all brought to life with a dynamic day-night cycle and weather system. Imagine racing through a sunlit Mushroom Kingdom only for clouds to roll in, rain to slicken the track, and night to fall, casting dramatic shadows as you drift around corners.

However, I hope that this isn’t just cosmetic. It would be awesome if the weather and time of day could affect gameplay, altering traction and visibility. The physics engine has also been overhauled, enabling more dynamic character and vehicle animations. In addition, there are interactions with the environment, setting the stage for a racing experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

24-Player Races and Knockout Tour Mode

If Mario Kart has always been about controlled chaos, Mario Kart World cranks it up to 11 with support for 24-player races—double the number of racers seen in Mario Kart 8. It adds a level of pandemonium that may test even the most seasoned players of the franchise.

Alongside similar modes of past releases, the new Knockout Tour was revealed. It’s an almost battle royale-style twist on the traditional Grand Prix.

In this mode, racers speed across interconnected courses in a vast open world and hit checkpoints. Falling below a specific placement at any checkpoint causes elimination until the next round. It’s a high-stakes endurance test that blends the frantic pace of Mario Kart with a survivalist edge, ensuring every race feels like a fight to the finish.

Open-World Driving on the Horizon

Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature of Mario Kart World is the title’s open-world design, a bold departure from the series’s traditional closed-circuit tracks.

Players can now veer off the main path, exploring sprawling regions that connect racecourses into a cohesive, drivable world. This isn’t only for show either—Nintendo has introduced a Free Roam mode that echoes the laid-back exploration of Forza Horizon.

This is an intuitive way to differentiate itself from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe without having to top the overwhelming 96 courses that it has accumulated multiple expansions.

Want to cruise through an Odyssey-like world with friends with no racing required? Now you can.

Snap photos with the new photo mode, hunt for shortcuts, or enjoy the scenery as day turns to night. The trailer hinted at a massive scale with branching paths, off-road routes, and hidden areas begging to be discovered.

It’s a love letter to fans who’ve always wanted to break free from the track and see what lies beyond, transforming Mario Kart into a Playground (pun intended) as much as a racetrack.

A Few New Tricks Up Its Sleeve

Mario Kart World doesn’t stop at reimagining the world—it’s also packed with new vehicles and mechanics that draw clear inspiration from titles like Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed. Alongside classic karts, players can pilot boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, and even planes, seamlessly transforming while racing between land, water, and air as the terrain demands. Sadly, vehicle customization is gone, but a wide selection should provide plenty of unique stat choices to fit your needs.

The trick system has been expanded too, introducing wall riding and rail grinding—basically, Tony Hawk’s in kart form—adding flair and depth to every jump and turn.

An Expansive Roster of Iconic Racers

The roster grows with quirky additions like a Goomba, the cow from “Moo Moo Meadows”, and a penguin from Super Mario 64‘s “Cool, Cool Mountain” level. They will join an All-star cast of 84 characters (double the amount in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe).

A curious, food-based twist comes into play: eating items like burgers changes your character’s apparel, from farmer outfits to beachwear. It’s unclear how this impacts gameplay—perhaps a stat boost or just pure style—but it’s a whimsical touch that at least adds cool, new appearances for the characters.

A Premium Price and a Promising Future

All these revolutionary additions come at a cost—literally. Mario Kart World carries an eye-watering $79.99 digital/physical price tag (with other regions selling the physical release for $10 more).

It’s a steep step up from the typical $59.99 for Nintendo’s first-party titles. It’s a bold move, reflecting the use of a 64GB cartridge and the game’s ambitious scope, but it’s sure to spark debate among fans. Still, the hype is undeniable, and Nintendo isn’t done yet. On April 17, 2025, at 6 AM PT/9 AM ET, a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct will dive deeper into the game’s features, modes, and possibly more surprises.

As a lifelong Mario Kart fan, I’m counting the days until I can jump in and tear through this vibrant, chaotic world when it launches alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. If the trailer is any indication, Mario Kart World could be the series’ most ambitious leap yet—and I can’t wait to hit the road.