Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 attempts to do something bold—expand its legacy with an open world and battle royale elements. While its racing is better than ever, and the new Knockout Tour mode is a highlight, the open-world hub doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Here’s our detailed review for U.S. players considering whether this $80 launch title is worth your time.
What Makes Mario Kart World Stand Out?
For the first time since Double Dash!!, Mario Kart feels like it’s reinventing itself. The introduction of an open world that links various tracks together offers a fresh concept. You can roam freely between races, take on challenges, collect coins, and unlock outfits.
But while that sounds exciting on paper, the real magic still happens on the track, not in the open world.
Knockout Tour: Mario Kart Meets Battle Royale
The biggest surprise in Mario Kart World is its new 24-player Knockout Tour mode. Think Forza Horizon meets Fall Guys—racers compete on interconnected tracks, and anyone who doesn’t make it to the next checkpoint is eliminated.
This mode brings tension, chaos, and unforgettable moments. Dodging shells and bombs while speeding to a finish line never felt this intense. It’s the kind of innovation Mario Kart has long needed, and it’s honestly the game’s biggest win.
From slamming Baby Peach with a banana to narrowly surviving barrel traps in DK Spaceport, Knockout Tour creates those watercooler moments you’ll want to talk about with friends.
Open World Misses the Finish Line
Nintendo’s biggest new feature—the open world—is its weakest. You can explore scenic zones between races, but the gameplay in these sections is bland.
Timed coin-collection challenges and scattered collectibles are fine for completionists, but there’s little incentive to return once you’ve seen the map. It ends up feeling more like a glorified race lobby than a core gameplay feature.
A Roster Bursting with Characters and Charm
Mario Kart World features a massive roster of 50+ characters, including obscure side characters and even Goombas. While kart customization from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is gone, character-specific weight classes still impact racing stats.
New mechanics like rail grinding and wall gliding add variety, but the shared button layout with drifting can lead to some frustrating moments. It takes practice to nail jumps and turns smoothly.
Wacky New Items and Classic Chaos
Item balance in Mario Kart World is on point. Returning favorites like the Mega Mushroom and new power-ups like the Golden Shell and Hammers make each race unpredictable and fun.
Few things are as satisfying as turning into a giant cow and bulldozing everyone in your path. It’s silly, chaotic, and exactly what Mario Kart fans love.
Track Design Shines on Switch 2
Track design is where Mario Kart World truly excels. Every course is dynamic and rich with detail. You’ll go from the peaceful beauty of Cheep Cheep Falls to the icy slides of DK Pass, and even space-themed construction sites in DK Spaceport.
Switch 2’s hardware upgrades are on full display here—smooth frame rates, rich textures, and fluid transitions between land, water, and air keep the adrenaline high.
Verdict: Fun Races, Forgettable World
Mario Kart World is a great racing game hiding inside a so-so open-world experiment. The Knockout Tour mode alone makes it worth playing, and the sheer fun of 24-player chaos gives it a strong edge. While the open world isn’t as deep or engaging as advertised, everything else—tracks, characters, and core racing—is top-tier.
For $80, we expected a little more polish on the adventure side, but in terms of raw racing fun, Mario Kart World is the best it’s ever been.
Pros:
- Knockout Tour is fresh and exciting
- Fantastic track design
- Huge character roster and new items
- Solid performance on Switch 2
Cons:
- Open world is shallow and underused
- Loss of kart part customization
- Rail grind controls feel awkward
Final Score: 8.5/10
If you’re a U.S.-based Mario Kart fan looking for next-gen karting chaos, Mario Kart World delivers the goods—just don’t expect the open-world to blow you away.
