Analysis: 'Mario Kart World' provides a solid, secure playground for the early Nintendo Switch 2 enthusiasts
Rebel Helix: Driving Mayhem on the Switch 2
Toronto - When the revolutionary hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch, debuted in 2017, it marked the arrival of "Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," a groundbreaking adventure that shook up the gaming world. Now, five years later, the gaming titan presents the Switch 2, coupled with an exciting new addition to the revered "Mario Kart" series, "Mario Kart World."
Let's face it, "Mario Kart World" is far from the game-altering behemoth that "Breath of the Wild" was, but it doesn't shy away from improving upon what the Switch did right. This installment is all about pragmatism over innovation, and that philosophy is evident in its flagship title.
The latest "Mario Kart" game to grace our screens in over a decade boasts some fresh modes and enhancements, but at its heart, it remains true to the franchise's roots. It's not poised to command game-of-the-year chatter like its forebearer, but it's hard to deny why Nintendo connected the Switch 2's launch to the newest edition of its chaos-inducing racing series.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more successful game in the Switch library than "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe." With over 68 million units sold, the online multiplayer capability lets Nintendo exhibit the Switch 2's new "GameChat" function, allowing gamers to promptly converse with their friends.
"Mario Kart" games have always been inflammatory, anarchic events featuring some of Nintendo's biggest personalities, and the newest entry continues the pandemonium. With the increased capabilities of the Switch 2, up to 24 competitors race simultaneously – double the number in "Mario Kart 8!" A whopping 22 characters take the wheel for the first time, including overlooked fan favorites like Cow, the jovial bovine that has long appeared as an obstacle in the series.
Graphically, "Mario Kart World" sparkles on the new system. Mario, Luigi, and the gang look terrific, and the vibrant 30 tracks on offer impress with charm and color. The levels, either completely new or reimagined from past games, are filled with twists, turns, and secret routes, perfect for the adventurous racer.
A persistent critique of "Mario Kart" games is the tendency to level the playing field with powerful weapons given to struggling racers to disrupt the leaders. "Mario Kart World" maintains this trend, with returning power-ups like the omnipresent blue shell that homes in on the character in first place before stunning its target upon impact. With more racers on the grid, leaders can be bombarded by several attacks in quick succession, potentially upending their ingenious navigation of the track.
It's a feather in "Mario Kart World's" cap that itnow presents the outstanding "Knockout Tour" race mode. This mode eschews traditional three-lap races in favor of elimination competitions that string together portions from various tracks into a mammoth endurance race. Stakes are high from the get-go, as checkpoints throughout the race knock out the bottom four players.
Less enthralling is the free-roam mode, apparently giving "Mario Kart World" its name. While the concept is intriguing, allowing players to drive freely across the Mushroom Kingdom, some areas feel sparsely populated. Despite the thrilling "Knockout Tour" races, there's little motivation to complete the various driving challenges scattered throughout the map, save for unlocking customization stickers for your vehicles.
While it may not be a groundbreaking addition, the free-roam mode occasionally feels unfinished, with the option to access it hidden in the bottom-right corner of the main menu screen. It may not have been an afterthought, but at times it does feel like one.
"Mario Kart World" demands a hefty price tag of around $110, although that drops to approximately $70 when bundled with a Switch 2 system. Despite the hefty price, "Mario Kart World" will be a must-have for early adopters of the Switch 2. Aside from being the only first-party game available exclusively for the console, it showcases what the Switch 2 is truly capable of.
"Mario Kart World" has earned an ESRB rating of "E," making it suitable for gamers of all ages.
A digital copy of "Mario Kart World" was provided for review.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025.
Toronto's arts and entertainment scene will witness an exciting new addition with the release of "Mario Kart World" on the Nintendo Switch 2, a technological marvel showcasing the capabilities of the latest gadget. This game, designed for gamers of all ages, promises to deliver hours of entertainment, whether it's racing with friends through colorful tracks or exploring the Mushroom Kingdom in the free-roam mode.
