From the outside, it might seem like Nintendo has been slow with the Mario Kart franchise. Aside from spin-offs and arcade exclusives, the last mainline entry was an enhanced Wii U port. But with Mario Kart World, Nintendo has revitalized the series in a big way—so much so that it could easily be the only Mario Kart title on the Switch 2. And honestly, that wouldn’t be a bad thing.
A Bold New Open-World Approach
The biggest change in Mario Kart World is right in the name: races now unfold in a fully interconnected world rather than standalone tracks. Grand Prix events take place across sections of a vast map, and seeing how each themed track links together is surprisingly satisfying. You can also explore this open world solo or with friends, hunting for hidden collectibles like Peach Medallions and Yoshi’s or tackling P-Switch challenges. While the world can feel sparse at times, it’s still a joy to navigate.
Refined Racing Mechanics
The core racing in Mario Kart World remains tight, though veterans of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may notice key differences. Kart customization is gone—each vehicle has fixed stats—and drifting feels more physics-based, adding weight to the handling. Inside drifting is also removed, making bikes handle more uniformly.
However, the skill ceiling is higher than ever. Auto-defensive items (like trailing bananas) let players focus on driving, while advanced techniques like charge jumping, rail grinding, and wall riding open up new speedrunning strategies. Within just a week, players have already found ways to shave seconds off race times.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Switch 2
With its open-world design, fresh modes (like the 24-player battle royale Knockout Tour), and deep mechanics, Mario Kart World is poised to be a Switch 2 staple for years. Longtime fans may need time to adjust, but those embracing this new era will find one of the best racing games yet.
Score: 9/10 (Excellent) – As per newsworld123.com review policy, a 9 signifies top-tier entertainment that sets a gold standard.
FAQs
Q: Is Mario Kart World a sequel or a spin-off?
A: It’s a full-fledged mainline entry, introducing an open-world structure and new mechanics.
Q: Does Mario Kart World support local multiplayer?
A: Yes, it features both local and online multiplayer for up to 24 players in certain modes.
Q: Are there microtransactions?
A: No, all content is unlockable through gameplay.
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