Mario Kart World Review: Nintendo Switch 2’s Best Game Is Already Here

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Observing from afar, it’s understandable for people to think Nintendo hasn’t been pushing the boundaries with the Mario Kart series lately. Discounting the Japanese arcade games, mobile adaptations, and the virtual reality-style game, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, there’s only been one major release in the past ten years – and that was essentially an updated version of a Wii U game.

With the introduction of Mario Kart World, Nintendo has revitalized the series. It’s possible that this could be the sole Mario Kart game to come out on the Switch 2, and if it is, we wouldn’t argue with that decision. From our perspective, there won’t be much dissent about it.

The significant shift from the traditional setup lies within the name itself. For the first time ever in this series, races aren’t held on separate tracks, but instead, every drivable section forms part of a connected world. In this game, Grand Prix competitions take place over a small portion of the extensive map, and it’s quite fascinating to observe how each themed stage connects seamlessly.

Absolutely, you have the option to venture beyond your regular races into this expansive world, either alone or with companions online. Along the way, you’ll discover various side activities; there are secret items like Peach Medallions and Yoshi hidden here, and P-Switch challenges offer unique experiences, usually asking you to navigate difficult locations or gather coins within time constraints. It’s true that the open world might seem a bit sparse at times, but the joy of exploration remains undiminished.

Absolutely, at the heart of Mario Kart World lies its core aspect – racing – and it’s as solid as ever. However, it’s important to note that dedicated fans of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe might find some differences in the game mechanics. To begin with, the option for customizing karts has been removed. While each kart still has its unique characteristics, there’s no more swapping between frames, wheels, and gliders. Additionally, the driving experience feels more influenced by physics, making it feel heavier and less precise compared to previous versions. In fact, drifting is no longer a distinct feature for different types of vehicles; they all handle quite similarly now.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that Mario Kart World might appear simpler at first glance, but let me tell you, it’s anything but! With a few tweaks here and there, the skill ceiling has been raised significantly. For one, having bananas and turtle shells trail behind automatically means less distraction while I focus on steering. For those who live for pushing mechanics to their limits, charge jumping allows me to clear small hurdles with ease, and when combined with rail grinding and wall riding, it opens up a world of high-level gameplay that’s nothing short of insane! It’s only been a week since the game launched, and I’ve already seen players devising wild strategies to shave off seconds from their race times.

Mario Kart World Review: Final Verdict

Boasting an extensive open environment, a multitude of tracks, exciting modes such as Knockout Tour (a racing battle royale featuring 24 players), and numerous unlockables, Mario Kart World is shaping up to be a long-term fixture on the Switch 2, staying fresh for years to come. While seasoned racers may need to adapt to some finer adjustments, those eager to embrace this new chapter in Mario Kart will find themselves having a blast.

SCORE: 9/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 9 means “Excellent.” Such entertainment stands out as the best within its genre, setting the bar high for all creators to aspire to achieve.

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2025-06-14 04:10