"Evaluation of 'Mario Kart World': Impressive, sprawling, yet overwhelming"
Revved up and ready to ride? Buckle up for the exhilarating world of Mario Kart World, a massive racing game that's set to leave its mark on the Nintendo Switch 2.
We already know Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was a runaway success, moving 68.2 million units - more than double the sales of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and a major contributor to the Switch's initial success. But Mario Kart World ain't just a simple corporate rehash. Instead, it boasts a ton of creative innovation, proving that it's more than just a greedy cash grab.
Step into the world of Mario Kart World, a game that doesn't disappoint if you're craving your regular Mario Kart fix. Grand Prix mode is here and in tip-top shape, with the traditional four tracks per cup varying in speed difficulties. Whether you're barreling through point-to-point affairs or using open-world bits, you'll find yourself racing ahead with ease.
丽琳风吹拂 (Lì Lín, Fēng Chuī - Scramble the anagram to reveal the phrase) invites you to test your wits, while Queen's Challenge (Crown Each Region) and Crossclimb (Unlock A Trivia Ladder) are waiting for you to conquer.
You'll find the new Rainbow Road circuit downright stunning, a visual spectacle that'll leave you breathless (shown below). Core gameplay has been tweaked and expanded, with a barrage of new "tricks" to perform, almost making you feel like you're skateboarding instead of karting.
Of course, there's the new Knockout Tour mode, a timed race that'll put your endurance to the test as you navigate through various tracks and areas in a marathon-like race. Think Sega's Outrun, but with Mario Kart's signature charm (albeit without the branching paths).
The heart of Mario Kart World lies in its Free Roam mode, allowing you to explore an enormous continent stuffed with secrets and missions. At first, it may feel a bit odd, given the series' focus on meticulous track design. But the new open-world setup grows on you, offering an experience unlike any other Mario Kart game.
Where Mario Kart World really shines is when played with friends. The party game vibes blend seamlessly with the exploratory driving experience, creating a unique social gaming experience.
The game's expansive content and development effort are reflected in the price tag of US $79.99. And while some might balk at the price, the sheer amount of content and the replayability offered by the multiplayer promise that this will be another evergreen game in the Mario Kart series, much like its predecessors.
It's worth mentioning that the increased price of games is due to publishers trying to recoup losses from failed major AAA games, leading to layoffs[2][3].
The online modes are stable and enjoyable, though it's important to note that strong internet connections are essential for a smooth gaming experience.
In conclusion, Mario Kart World is a titanic undertaking that delivers on the classic Mario Kart progression. Whether it'll outsell Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains to be seen, but with an enormous amount of content and replayability, it's set to be a console-defining game for the Nintendo Switch 2.
*Mario Kart World*
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: 5th June 2025
Price: $79.99
Score: 9/10
Disclosure: Nintendo sent me a copy of this game for the purposes of this review. Follow me on X, Facebook, and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
- The imaginative and expanded gameplay of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2, boasting new features such as Free Roam mode and striking visuals on the Rainbow Road circuit, makes it an enticing option for tech enthusiasts and gamers who appreciate gadgets like the latest video games.
- As technology continues to evolve, the fusion of classical gaming experiences with innovative open-world concepts enhances the value of video games such as Mario Kart World, offering its players a unique perspective on the genre, comparable to the integration of technology and creativity in other gadgets.
