Mario Kart World

I didn’t necessarily believe it at first, but after spending some time with it, I feel like maybe Mario Kart World was the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. It reminds us of the pure joy that can come from just sitting around, talking smack, and playing video games with your friends, whether together or apart.

It feels as if Nintendo has a way to go to crystallise the open world into something beyond a random meander. Despite this reservation, Mario Kart World elegantly nails Nintendo’s goal of showcasing the Switch 2’s horsepower while shifting the series into a new gear to surprise and thrill a legion of fans.

Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 is pure next-gen karting at its best!

Mario Kart has transitioned to an open world, in an experience full of new mechanics and with a new rebellious and energetic personality, which even seems to take ideas from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. It is truly addictive and immediately captivates people of all ages, including those who don't even play games.

There’s a reason Mario Kart sells as well as it does (just ignore that it’s bundled with the console this time). It’s truly a game anyone can enjoy, and with the addition of new Knockout Tour modes, integration with GameChat, and the free-roam map that fundamentally changes how Mario Kart works, there’s truly something for everyone here. We’ve never seen Mario Kart look, run, and sound this good. Mario Kart World is peak Mario Kart.

It really is an impressively welcoming game, this, generous and detailed and unfailingly fun, different but with the same spirit. It feels like the culmination of something, a synthesis of different philosophies of fun that still nonetheless comes together. The Switch 2 itself does feel like a swish upgrade rather than an all-new console, so it’s a relief that its headline game shows that Nintendo still has a talent for reinvention.

Mario Kart World kicks off the Switch 2 in a practically flawless way, presenting an experience that not only showcases several of the new hardware's capabilities but also revolutionizes the very traditional way of doing things within the series it represents. While the open world wasn't exactly what we expected, the core of the racing experience is one of the most polished and well-executed projects in the company's history. The achievements in control, mechanics, level design, and audiovisual presentation set a new standard that we believe none of its competitors will come close to matching. The king of karting is back.

Mario Kart World is all about big numbers—tons of content, characters, vehicles, power-ups, tracks, and music. It all adds up to countless hours of fun, making this a game you'll be coming back to for years.

Mario Kart World is going to be a game that we will return to many times over the next few years. Its proposal takes the formula to a new level with incredible tracks, mechanics with a lot of possibilities and a great amount of content. However, what we like most about it is that it is a game with a lot of potential to expand and keep receiving content to become one of the pillars of the game as a service on Nintendo Switch 2.

Mario Kart World evolves the iconic series with interconnected tracks, expanded multiplayer chaos, and a thrilling mix of exploration and competition — all while staying true to its fun, frantic roots.

Mario Kart World is the ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 launch game. This entry goes far beyond anything seen before in the franchise; it’s a true turning point. It’s simply better, offering far more than previous Mario Karts. Try it, or you’ll likely miss out on one of the decade’s best Nintendo games.

With its revolutionary open-world structure, connected circuits, new acrobatic gameplay, and diverse modes like Survival, Mario Kart World delivers the most ambitious and exhilarating entry in the franchise yet, though it slightly disappoints with the removal of vehicle part customization and a conservative online progression system.

Mario Kart World is the evolution that the saga was asking for after a Mario Kart 8 that refined the classic formula to the extreme.

Mario Kart World takes the best of the saga to a new level of quality. The life of Nintendo Switch 2 starts in style thanks to a colossal title, full of ideas, novelties and craziness that will never bore you. Fun in its purest form.

Mario Kart World is pure fun: thrilling races, a relaxing open world, innovative mechanics, and impeccable multiplayer—though it’s slightly disappointing that local matches with more than three players drop to 30fps. Nintendo has perfectly balanced the classic and the new, crafting a complete, addictive, and accessible experience that’ll delight both veterans and newcomers to the series.

Overall it’s solid, fun, innovative, just not what I would want as the definitive Mario Kart experience, nor do I feel it tops what has long been considered the definitive Mario Kart experience for some time. But this is certainly a fresh take on the franchise that’s keeping things new and fun, and I’m having a blast with it.

Mario Kart World features the most detailed gameplay mechanics ever featured in series history. The game embraces Mario’s platforming roots with a new moveset for racers to reach new heights in tracks by jumping, grinding, barrel rolling, and wall riding to multiple pathways and shortcuts.

At first, this doesn't quite feel like the reinvention of Mario Kart that people wanted or expected, but the more time you spend in the open world and racing with friends, you’ll uncover a mechanically rich kart racer full of secrets and joy. Mario Kart World refines and expands the formula in meaningful ways while upping the charm in many others. Few games have brought me as much laughter as Mario Kart World has done since launch. If you need a pick-me-up, this game is sure to bring a smile, and it feels like a perfect start to Switch 2's life.

Mario Kart World feels like a true expansion of the franchise in many ways. The Nintendo Switch 2’s abilities allow for grander courses, more intense races, and experiences that’ll appeal to both hardcore racers and those who just want to roam around and see everything with their friends.

Whether you’re going pedal to the metal, or just popping in for a casual race or two, Mario Kart World delivers in spades.

Mario Kart World is a surprising step forward for the Mario Kart franchise. The introduction of the rail and wall riding systems are welcome additions, adding even more skill-based racing to the already beloved formula. That’s on top of Nintendo putting the World in the Mario Kart World name. Nintendo has crafted an impressive interconnected lobby system, allowing you to explore the vast world while in-between matches. This Free Roam feature could be better improved, though, with a better map system and potentially cooperative play in the future. All in all, Mario Kart World is one of very few Switch 2 exclusives to truly speak about, offering an immense amount of value at the console’s launch. It’s highly addictive and will leave a lasting impression on fans and newcomers.

The price of Mario Kart World makes you think twice about whether it's a game you should buy at launch for a console that isn't cheap either. Together, the console and the game form a winning combination that will provide you with hours of entertainment, as they are both high-quality products. If it's within your budget, you won't regret it, because this is a title that has all the correct elements for hours of fun, whether playing with friends, online, or solo.

Mario Kart World is an amazing-looking and sounding title on the Switch 2. I love all the new tracks and characters, though the way you unlock them feels unfair.

Mario Kart World is one of the finest system launch titles that Nintendo has ever made. The successful Mario Kart formula has been given new elements which fit the experience perfectly and the chaotic gameplay experience, whether solo or multiplayer, is all a player could ever ask for, whether a veteran or a newcomer. Topped off by an irreprehensible visual performance made possible by the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, an exquisite soundtrack and fine tuned, sharp controls, Mario Kart World is an absolutely indespensible game for any owner of Nintendo's new system.

A different and fresh Mario Kart game was exactly what the series needed, and with World, Nintendo has delivered. They didn’t really need to make the AI this ruthless though.

Mario Kart World is a triumphant return to arcade racing, masterfully blending accessibility with depth, chaos with control, and pure fun with a real challenge. The addition of an open world, new game modes, and stellar technical execution make this not only a worthy successor - but possibly the best Mario Kart ever.

By keeping most of the driving fundamentals, but greatly expanding your competitive options and wildly rethinking the approach to circuits and locations, Nintendo has transformed Mario Kart into a modern yet utterly charming platform for social racing or serious competition. The open-world structure and 24-player races make for an air of chaotic road tripping, yet one that doubles down on the appeal and nostalgia of Mario's wonderful world.

All in all, Mario Kart World takes the long-running series into genuinely intriguing territory. Its open world is a joyous thing to explore and race through, while Knockout Tour is a thrilling new addition I can’t stop playing. A few bizarre choices hold the game back from being true racing perfection, but regardless, I couldn’t stop smiling every time I picked up the controller. Here’s hoping Nintendo continue to support the game because with a few tweaks and extras, this could very well shape up to become the best entry in the series.

If you came to Mario Kart World expecting the big new feature to be an open world full of pop-up activities a la Forza Horizon, turn back your purchase. The open world is the excuse for a never-before-seen track design that pushes the count and variety to untold numbers and makes you rethink your understanding and approach to racing. Free Mode is a relaxed, secondary way to explore that world and enjoy it without stress. And the highlight is the superb Survival Mode, a way to take the essence of Mario Kart to a whole new level...Yes, there's plenty of room for a lot of stuff on all those tracks, and we'd all be happy to see it filled in, but it was never its first claim, and all the experiences you'd expect from a Mario Kart with traditional origins but modernised ideas are present in the rest of the game, in abundance and of the highest quality.

Mario Kart World launches the Switch 2 era with style and ambition. With future updates likely on the horizon, World is already a celebration of everything that makes the series great—and a promising look at where it’s headed next.

Free Roam is a major disappointment, but Mario Kart World is still an excellent game that helps justify purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2. It's the console's day-one killer app backed by an incredible soundtrack, well-rounded roster of characters, and addictive gameplay. There's so much more than meets the eye here. Nintendo has rightfully come under fire for skimping on content with their games, but that thankfully isn't the case here. After putting thousands of hours into Mario Kart 8, I can see myself doing the same with Mario Kart World. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to go back online and participate in more Knockout Tour races.

As far as launch titles go, Mario Kart World is a real banger. The races are more chaotic and intense, the world feels huge, and there’s a ton of racers to choose from. Also, the skill ceiling feels higher. I wish the world were as big as it feels, but we’re in pretty early days yet. I’d also love a splitscreen Free Roam mode, but that’s pure wishlist stuff. Buying a new console is always a little intimidating, to be sure. And racing games aren’t for everyone. But if you’re into Mario Kart even a tiny bit, you’d be a fool to pass on Mario Kart World.

Mario Kart World gives us an amazing experience for both existing and new players of the series which includes new ways to play and racing in an open world as well as various improvements in many aspects of the game making it the best iteration in the series to date especially for multiplayer enthusiasts.

Mario Kart World is an almost total success, and remains a must-have, even if there are a couple of minor complaints. Its risk-taking pays off, and it succeeds very well in its hairpin turn towards more subtle gameplay, which is still as fun and exhilarating as ever. The new features will take a little getting used to, but will quickly prove indispensable for shining in multiplayer races. The new survival mode is an absolute success and promises a bright future in the license, to the detriment of the battle mode, which is gradually fading away. In any case, Mario Kart World is a must-have for Nintendo Switch 2 and certainly the console's best launch game.

Mario Kart World is magnificent. It features the tight and refined gameplay you expect from the series, a brilliant new Knockout mode, and such colourful energy and vibrancy that it was the perfect title to launch the console. I really didn’t think there was much else Nintendo could do after Mario Kart 8, but I stand corrected.

With a few additional online options and perhaps more rewards added to Free Play for the open world, Mario Kart World would be perfect. In every other respect, it's an absolute win for Nintendo and the plumber. The visuals are incredible on a TV or in portable mode, the gameplay is extremely polished, easy to learn, and deep to master, with new options and a remarkable fluidity that blends beautifully with the new Knockout mode. I predict a long and prosperous future for it on the Nintendo Switch 2, now with even more options that serve solo play, in a franchise where it's not easy to uncover new ways to play and where Nintendo still manages to innovate.

Mario Kart World proves that clever innovation not only keeps a classic franchise alive, but also prepares it for the future. The open game world full of surprises and personal choices gives the classic Mario Kart feeling new strength and a fresh, daring twist.

Mario Kart World revolutionizes the series with a new Free Play mode, a visually spectacular open world, and breathtaking new game modes. Whether it's the ultimate Mario Kart, only time will tell.

Mario Kart World is bold, ambitious, and utterly charming, and even a couple of hiccups don't spoil the pure joy and chaos it presents.

Mario Kart World brings a fresh update to the series with an open world, new modes, and improved driving mechanics, while still managing to retain the classic, recognizable fun and ease of play. Although some online features feel outdated, the game delivers a strong start for the Switch 2 and shows great potential for future growth.

I do hope that there will be many updates in the months and years to come, with new courses, costumes, and more to provide fresh experiences to the game and help it stay popular for many years. I would absolutely love to see seasonal offerings in costumes, or maybe even some new things added to the world in Free Roam mode. But, even if the game stays exactly as it currently is, I will still enjoy every minute racing around Mario Kart World as either a Cow or Soft Serve Toadette.

Mario Kart World is indisputably the best first-party launch game for the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, and its new major departures for the franchise – like Knockout Tour and Free Roam – are delightful, but it remains to be seen if the kart racer can keep up the pace for the long haul.

Mario Kart World is a genuinely fantastic package, though it still feels as if it falls short of some of its open-world racing contemporaries. The open-world design isn’t being made the most of here, but the tracks are still fantastic and Knockout Tour is one of Mario Kart’s best-ever multiplayer modes. If you’re getting a Nintendo Switch 2, you need Mario Kart World.

An excellent follow-up to Mario Kart 8 that takes the series into exciting new directions, although the open world element is surprisingly undercooked and almost irrelevant.

Mario Kart World boldly reinvents the genre with open-world racing, fresh mechanics, and incredible charm..

Mario Kart World is incredibly easy to fall in love with, largely due to its solid injection of nostalgia and visual upgrades that help to justify the hardware upgrade. This is the best-looking and smoothest Mario Kart has ever felt, and Knockout Tour is sure to set the world on fire as the go-to game mode for this generation. I wish there was more to strive for in its Free Roam mode, but all of the other foundational parts that have made Mario Kart a success for so long are here, and better than ever. When playing with friends, it’s still the undisputed king, making this a must-have title on your shiny new Switch 2 that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Mario Kart World is the definitive kart racer with its variety of themes, characters, and vehicles as well as the frenzied new Knockout mode.

Mario Kart World is a massive, sprawling sequel that playfully expands and iterates on the qualities that made Mario Kart 8 Deluxe such an enduring success. It's an incredibly fun and rewarding kart racing experience that's easy to understand, with enough mechanical nuance to reward veteran kart racers, all presented beautifully as a Switch 2 showpiece. It will be shocking if this game doesn't enjoy the same long-term success of its predecessor, because it's among the best in the series and a worthy marquee title for the launch of a new Nintendo console.

Mario Kart World is a generational leap forward for the series, elevating familiar racing shenanigans with imaginative new modes and a huge map to explore as you see fit.

Mario Kart World is incredible alone or with others online or offline, and it really shows off what might make Switch 2 special. It’s fantastic in more traditional modes like Grand Prix and Battle or new ones such as Knockout Tour and Free Roam. It pays tribute to past games, but feels totally different and innovative in some fun ways. I do wish Grand Prix felt a bit more challenging and perhaps that Koopalings came back, but getting characters like Cow and happening upon new options with Kamek or Dash Food can be a fun surprise during a race. It feels like a must-have game for the new console, while still also leaving a place Mario Kart 8 Deluxe too.

Mario Kart World is a brilliant addition to the Mario Kart family, and offers a lot of fun. It's one of the few games where the whole family can join in and have equal fun, with adjustments for the weaker players, and plenty of antics for the experienced. If I have one complaint, it's that we currently don't get to drive fast enough. It didn't take long to get gold on everything in 150cc, but the robust online multiplayer mode more than makes up for that.

Mario Kart World is a huge undertaking, but it still offers the classic Mario Kart progression we’ve all grown up with. Whether this will sell as much as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains to be seen, but from the off, Mario Kart World definitely has an enormous amount of content to wrap your head around, and the multiplayer will likely keep it an evergreen release for years to come, much like the other games in the series have been.

I am disappointed with Mario Kart World's Free Roam, but the game nails everything else. It's good for near-endless hours of entertainment, and it will definitely stay in my Switch 2 rotation for years to come. Mario Kart World is the best the series has ever looked or played and a definite must-have for Switch 2 early adopters.

Mario Kart World is a worthy follow-up that expands the formula without losing its charm. The open world ties everything together brilliantly, and new mechanics like wallrides and charged jumps keep the racing fresh. Pure fun for every generation.

Does Mario Kart World bring something new to the series? A resounding yes. A reinvigorated setup with connected tracks within a bustling, vibrant, next-generation Super Mario Bros world. Mario Kart World is vibrant, playful, and truly feels alive. A compelling solo mode, knockout competition, and strong online play make it an essential Nintendo Switch 2 title.

Mario Kart World might not completely reinvent the steering wheel, but it’s still a bold new vision for the 30-year-old series that takes some big risks with the classic formula. That said, thanks to some visually stunning new tracks, incredible karting tech, and a soundtrack that keeps my head bopping at all times, it’s already my favorite Mario Kart game to date, and I can’t wait to spend the next few years drifting and wall riding in Knockout Tour, Grand Prix mode, and beyond.

All up, Mario Kart World is ridiculous fun, alone or in a group… but as my husband said to me at 8pm on the launch day of the Switch 2, “there’s only so much Mario Kart you can play”. Nevertheless, we’re both keen to host friends to not only show off the new racer, but what the Switch 2 can do accordingly. Let’s just hope that Nintendo can broaden what’s available in-game quickly, akin to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While we’re waiting for more Switch 2 games, we need more World.

It is with great pleasure that I dare to say that Nintendo has done it again. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is today a full potter for me, containing two DLC packs from the Wii U version and four DLC packs from Switch. Mario Kart World already matches it content-wise and feels like a perfect platform to build on, and is itself a wonderful racing game for both happy amateurs who just want to go karting with the denizens of the Mushroom Kingdom and professionals who like to optimise their tracks and quickly learn to spend as much time driving on walls as on the ground. A better killer app for Switch 2 is simply hard to imagine, and the mere thought that this is a game that will get even better with more content in the future makes it a game not to be missed.

Mario Kart World is the latest and potentially greatest in the long-running arcade racer franchise, brought to the next level with the Nintendo Switch 2's hardware and an expansive roster of racers, tracks, and endless fun to be had.

The new open world might not be as captivating as we’d hoped, but Mario Kart World still hits hard as a Switch 2 exclusive — technically rock-solid, drop-dead gorgeous, and an absolute blast to play.

Mario Kart World is a bold new entry in the beloved kart racing franchise. Knockout Tour is a thrilling new way to play, and while freeroaming in the interconnected world is likely not for everyone, it is fun to have a relaxing Mario Kart mode.

Mario Kart World takes the series to new heights with its expanded scale and rich content. If you've ever wanted to experience kart racing, now's the perfect time.

Great fun that only gives away potential in the new Open World mode.

Mario Kart World is a solid and well-crafted addition to the long-running series. It faithfully preserves the franchise's time-tested pillars - tight driving mechanics, brilliantly designed tracks, and that chaotic yet irresistible item system - all of which continue to deliver moments of pure, laugh-out-loud joy.

Ultimately, Mario Kart World is one of the best exponents of the series, embellished with a wide range of new content and structure designed to freshen up the formula but characterized by the same, exciting gameplay that made the brand great. It is a shame, in this sense, that the inclusion of the (disappointing) Free Race mode and the removal of some of the most beloved features of Mario Kart 8 such as the 200cc category and anti-gravity races do not allow the title to take flight towards absolute excellence but it is still a great way to test out your new console, especially in the company of a few friends.

Mario Kart World may not be the cleanest ride in the series, but between its fun modes, expansive open world, and sheer replayability, there’s a lot to love under the hood. The bloat and some odd choices occasionally throw a banana peel in front of the fun, but they rarely send the whole kart spinning. With enough friends and willingness to explore its quirks, it’s an addictive racer that keeps pulling you back in.

Driving for weeks now, I can better sum up my feelings on Mario Kart World post-honeymoon. It’s a great game that looks (and sounds) as outstanding as it plays—speedy, sharp, and smooth on Switch 2. It’s well worth the extra Bundle cost! Still, as a standalone $79.99 game, it’s undeniably lacking compared to its predecessors’ original tracks, overall number of tracks, and other features and polish. Doubtless, some free DLC will add needed content and give some existing content a tune-up. Mario Kart World is a game you don’t want to miss, one that crosses the finish line with its head held high.

Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 is an ambitious evolution of the beloved kart racing series, introducing a semi-open world structure, a more expansive single-player experience, and refined visuals. It’s packed with fresh content, including new tracks, karts, characters, and online features. While the core gameplay remains fun and highly polished, some aspects, like uneven difficulty in exploration modes and occasional technical hiccups, hold it back from reaching its full potential. It’s a must-play for longtime fans, but may feel slightly overwhelming or inconsistent for newcomers. + Gorgeous visuals and smoother performance on Nintendo Switch 2

Mario Kart World is the perfect game to pick up if you're a big fan of the series or if you get the chance to buy the Switch 2 bundle that includes it. Otherwise, I think it's totally fine to wait a bit longer and keep enjoying Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—for now, at least—until you find the new game on sale. Either way, once you do get your hands on it, I can assure you that Mario Kart World will be one of those titles that stays with you throughout the entire lifespan of the Switch 2.

Mario Kart is back with a brand new installment that basically offers more of the same, supplemented with all sorts of new elements. The Knockout Tour is wonderfully chaotic, the large roster of characters and karts is fantastic, the multiplayer is top notch entertainment, and there is a large world that you can freely traverse to explore. Too bad that that world is so big that it's a bit barren in terms of activities, and it's also a missed opportunity that you can't free-roam in multiplayer in a normal way, but other than that Mario Kart World is a fantastic game that we can recommend to every Switch 2 owner.

Mario Kart World is a bold and ambitious new entry in the world’s most popular racing franchise, delivering smartly updated mechanics, a collection of gorgeous courses, and an open world that impresses with its scope and variety. Admittedly, the game doesn’t quite manage to eclipse the giant that is Mario Kart 8 and some classic modes don’t mesh perfectly with the new sandbox approach, but there’s no denying Mario Kart World gets the Switch 2 off to a peppy start.

If you liked Mario Kart 8, you’re likely to like Mario Kart World, and I can enthusiastically encourage you to try it if you’re on the fence. There are many kart racers on the market today, but there is a good reason why only Mario Kart has stood the test of time for over 30 years.

Mario Kart World marks a bold reinvention of the series, introducing an open world and new mechanics like dynamic weather, aerial stunts, and grinding. While the Free Roam mode feels underused and the Battle mode lacks depth, the game shines with varied, exciting tracks and a thrilling new Survival mode. Despite a few omissions, like the 200cc mode, it’s a strong, modern entry that refreshes the formula while laying solid foundations for future updates.

Mario Kart World breaks away from series tradition to great success, even if it is slowed down by an interconnected yet barren world.

Mario Kart Worlds attempts to innovate with its open-world design, but this aspect quickly becomes tiresome, lacking depth. Fortunately, the core experience shines in its traditional track-based races, where the gameplay truly thrives. The new hardware also delivers a significant visual upgrade, making the game a visual delight.

Mario Kart World has the DNA of a masterpiece: the best driving system in the series, a beautiful world, superb animations, stunning water effects, and a wonderful soundtrack. All of this, however, is held back by questionable design choices: most notably, the absence of a Classic Mode, and the fact that 24 racers often make the races feel too chaotic.

Mario Kart World could define an era for all types of gamers. It hooks the most casual player while simultaneously appealing to the competitive shredder, to the friend group, and to the family. This flexibility for all kinds of players is a message tied to the longevity and replayability of the game, the console, and the marketing strategy behind a blockbuster hit. It's a success in its concept, but even more so with a Switch 2 in hand.

Mario Kart World shines with a colorful and vibrant connected universe that finally gives a new air to the Grand Prix through simple changes to traditional mechanics that were previously not so frenetic, but it does little to explore the large open world that could make it the great game changer of the saga.

The seemingly ageless and fun gameplay as well as the beautiful open world make up for a few gameplay blunders.

Already off to a promising start, Mario Kart World is a game that could become nearly perfect with possible post-launch support filling out some of the gaps in its roster and track list. As it stands though, fantastic multiplayer options, new traversal mechanics which invites veterans to approach classic tracks in new and creative ways without excluding newcomers, and the kind of stellar presentation we’ve come to expect from first-party Nintendo titles, makes this an excellent choice as a launch title for Nintendo Switch 2. An innovative and exciting step forward for the series, Mario Kart World is a gold shell of a good time.

Mario Kart World attempts thrilling, high-risk maneuvers like a stunt pilot seeking new shortcuts, and these don't always land perfectly. While the visuals are stunning, the new game world could have used more polish. Curiously, the classic Grand Prix mode feels hobbled, and track designs are more homogeneous. Survival mode takes the top spot, prioritizing pure fun over competitive fervor. This shift signals Mario Kart World's new direction, and it's up to players to decide if they're ready to embrace this uniquely rare game.

Mario Kart World is the ultimate evolution of the series, bringing together everything that worked before into one ambitious game. Racing feels more creative than ever, and despite a few setbacks, it’s an impressive experience.

Mario Kart World is the most ambitious entry in the series so far, introducing fresh ideas like the standout Survival mode alongside its familiar, enjoyable gameplay. The concept of an interconnected world is a bold move that opens up new exploration opportunities, although the open world itself feels somewhat empty and some features seem a bit undercooked. Despite these flaws, the game delivers a solid and engaging experience that can provide countless hours of fun, especially with friends. It’s not quite the ultimate Mario Kart yet, but it’s a significant step in that direction.

With its open-world bias, Mario Kart World stands out directly from the rest of the series with a structure that destabilizes, and it's double-edged. The sublime panoramas offered by the arrival on the circuits and the extensive search for shortcuts clash with the long transition straights and a free roam mode that lacks true rewards. Nevertheless, this is still a high-quality title, with gameplay of unprecedented depth for the series, supported by a new Survival mode that is clearly the star of this new episode.

Mario Kart World is an excellent launch title that serves as an evolution for the long-running racing franchise. There are some minor issues like a lackluster Free Roam mode, but overall, it is an incredible package that will provide countless hours of racing fun for everyone.

With Mario Kart World, Nintendo delivers a solid launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new gameplay mechanics, survival mode, and art direction are all successes. The open world, meanwhile, adds a fresh feel without being entirely convincing over time. The title doesn't revolutionize the series as we might have thought, but it intelligently enriches the formula, while offering plenty of room for improvement and immediate gameplay fun. While we were entitled to expect more, Mario Kart World remains an excellent game that paves a whole new path for Nintendo's iconic series.

Mario Kart World introduces vertical races between circuits as a new feature, but some feel too similar, and the open world is somewhat dull. Even so, the game remains excellent—especially in multiplayer—and is the best way to showcase what the Nintendo Switch 2 is capable of at launch.

Mario Kart World is truly a supremely competent kart racer, and it delivers on the trademark chaotic fun that the franchise has delivered for generations. Even with the open world, which feels like a smokescreen for players to tinker and learn the new mechanics, the online will be where it's at and, fortunately, that's as great as it's ever been.

Despite its rather lame open world, Mario Kart World is a blast for newcomers and seasoned hardcore fans alike. Fresh changes liven up the racing fun, and the knockout tour is a true stroke of genius.

Mario Kart World is a great launch title and a good iteration of the Mario Kart series. But beside the much better graphics and the fantastic new knock out mode the game cannot fully reach its predecessor on eye level.

While Mario Kart World doesn’t earn high marks across the board, it has it where it counts. As a launch title for Nintendo’s new system, this is a friendly and approachable release that will delight all members of the family, while also offering a high skill and knowledge ceiling for dedicated players who want to dig deep. And it’s just as maddening and hilarious as ever to hit your buddy with a shell and watch him spin out. At the end of the day, isn’t that the point?

Mario Kart World has bold ideas that don’t quite land—but the execution still delivers fast, chaotic fun. Despite rough edges, it’s a love letter to fans and a strong, if imperfect, start on the Switch 2.

Despite being a great game, Mario Kart World is not a mandatory title for the Nintendo Switch 2. It may reach that level, given the structure for new content, tracks and characters, but right now, it’s not there yet.

A game that marks a turning point for the franchise, leaving room for considerable growth in the future.

Mario Kart World makes some strange choices in leaving its open world a bit empty and the way it links tracks, but the core racing is better than ever and there’s a ton of content to keep players busy until Nintendo further expands the game. Knockout Tour is perhaps my favorite online mode a game has offered in years, even if I do wish it were easier to enjoy with friends. Ultimately, if you’re buying a Nintendo Switch 2 at the moment, you’ll want to buy this game.

Mario Kart World is a game powerful enough to launch Switch 2 and just as much fun. It brings serious innovations to the series, but its real strength comes from its already solid foundations. The open-world move that connects the tracks is enjoyable, and modes such as Knockout Tour add meaning to this structure.

As an open-world game, it might be too light for some, but World earns the suffix in other entertaining ways. [Issue#413, p.106]

Mario Kart World dazzles with stunning visuals, an interconnected track system, and endless multiplayer fun, making it a strong launch title for the Switch 2. However, its cautious design, lack of deep customization and simplified gameplay hold it back from true greatness. The new content feels safe rather than bold and longtime fans may miss some of the series' more ambitious mechanics. Still, it's an undeniably fun racer that shines brightest with friends on the couch.

If you are looking for the best Nintendo game at launch for Switch 2, look no further, but for fans of 8, you may need to wait for Mario Kart World to make the podium.

Mario Kart World has a lot of big ideas, but its execution on them can feel shaky. It has a massive, interconnected open world, but there’s not much to do in it and you barely spend any time on the carefully crafted racetracks. It bumps each race up to 24 participants, but can feel so chaotic as to be unparsable at times. The driving in and of itself is great, it’s just everything that surrounds it can feel half baked.

Mario Kart World is an excellent addition to the series – beautiful, fun and imaginative – but it could have been even better, more diverse and worthy of its name. The open world is under used, and Nintendo continues with the familiar and safe line of starting races from the menu and ending them in the menu. Despite its flaws, it's pure fun, whether you're playing alone or with friends and family. And thanks to the new console hardware, it looks better than ever!

Perhaps the best showcase of the Switch 2’s tech can be felt in the game’s impressively nuanced physics.

The follow-up to Mario Kart 8 was always going to have a tough time trying to fill its predecessor's shoes. But Mario Kart World does just enough to establish itself as its own distinct and still fun entry in the series. From its joyous presentation to the new depth of its accessible racing, Mario Kart World succeeds in living up to the Mario Kart name despite remaining firmly in the shadow of what came before it.

The content and variety here is unmatched, which with some tweaks and additions means that even if the controls remain similar this entry feels fresh as a daisy.

Taking into account everything the game does right, not least the top-tier racing and the Knockout Tour mode, World is arguably the most fun Mario Kart entry in a long time.

Mario Kart World is easily the standout launch title on Nintendo Switch 2. And while that may not be saying much, I anticipate it’s comfortably going to be the best-selling Switch 2 game for the entire console generation. Nintendo has created a visually stunning kart racer here, chock-full of its trademark charm and personality. But it’s not without its issues - like the daftly organized character select screen and a Grand Prix format that has a bit of an identity crisis - but what’s here is an undoubtedly impressive racing game that I hope Nintendo continues to build and improve upon.

Nintendo has done an excellent job of transporting the indestructible Mario Kart formula into the open world. However, there are still a few rough edges in a few places.

Mario Kart World on Switch 2 is a blast, especially the Knockout Tour with friends! The cow character is already iconic, and the animations are top-notch. However, the open world feels a bit like a sticker hunt, the costume unlock system via "Dash Food" is confusing with unequal outfits per character (some get none!), and it disappoints regarding the single-player focus. Some tracks are too wide, and no 200cc at launch is a bummer. Still, it's charming, chaotic fun with potential to be the GOAT - albeit with updates.

This sequel has big boots (or wheels) to fill but World is glossier and the animations are more nuanced. Knockout Tour is the best new addition to a Mario Kart game since the first edition in 1992.

Mario Kart World introduces an interesting open-world mode, but it falls short in several key areas. The Grand Prix mode can be completed in just a few hours. However, the most impressive feature is Knockout Tour — a competitive Battle Royale-style mode that players can enjoy at any time. The game feels well-optimized in TV mode and handheld mode.

Chaotic, crazy, and unbridled is the main description I can tell to those who ask what I briefly think of Mario Kart World - it is a great and very fun racing game that includes a huge amount of tracks, characters, vehicles, and crazy driving abilities that come together into one world full of pure pleasure, all while offering impressive graphics, a quality soundtrack, and buttery smooth performance.

Although its open world is wonderfully designed, Mario Kart World's undercooked Free Roam mode means it's not utilised to its fullest, turning what should have been an exciting new direction for the series into a disappointment. This is thankfully salvaged by the traditional Grand Prix, VS Race and Online modes, which are as brilliant as ever, and the exceptional new Knockout Tour battle royale, meaning the overall package is still well worth your time.

Mario Kart World's open world and Knockout Tour deliver a bombastic opening volley for the Nintendo Switch 2, though its chaotic 24-player multiplayer could hamper long-term interest.

Mario Kart World takes that big and bold step into a different style of racing. A big open world, bigger lobbies, and a Battle Royale style multiplayer mode add up to a Mario Kart that is both familiar and refreshingly new. It's not as tightly tuned as Mario Kart 8 was, but this is still a lot of fun, and essential for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Whereas in previous Mario Kart games - as befits the genre - you raced around tracks, in Mario Kart World you can drive so-called Knockout Tours. These are rallies through the open world with checkpoints where a few racers drop out each time. This game mode is not a reinvention of the wheel, but it is a welcome twist. It proves that in its genre - the arcade racer - Mario Kart remains in a league of its own. And this is the best Mario Kart Nintendo ever made.

Mario Kart World delivers fine-tuned racing, strong multiplayer potential, and a bevy of unlockables that keep every session rewarding. But its tacked on exploration component, one that tries too hard to force long-term success, is a reminder that even a driver with a tremendous lead on the competition still isn’t safe from a dreaded blue shell.

Mario Kart World offers neat twists on the classic Mario Kart formula, but its open-world ambitions are somewhat let down by some classic Nintendo quirkiness.

Aspects of Mario Kart World might still feel rough around the edges, but the vibes are immaculate. This isn’t the single-player aspect I’ve been wanting for all these years but it’s a wonderfully chill option I didn’t expect. I don’t believe Mario Kart World needs a rigid structure tracking every P-Switch or Peach Medallion. This game is best experienced as a playground, not an obstacle course, even if the mayhem that unfurls on the racetrack is rife with obstacles. I’m looking forward to regularly playing Mario Kart World as a staple of the Switch 2 library. It’s playful and fun in all the best ways.

The idea of bringing the iconic Mario Kart into an open-world setting sounded great on paper, but it ended up being a bit too ambitious for the developers, who didn’t fully tap into its potential. Thankfully, it’s still the same classic Nintendo racing fun we know and love, with the refined gameplay perfected in previous installments continuing to deliver tons of enjoyment. On top of that, we get new driving tricks, beautiful tracks, the always-excellent music, and an impressive visual presentation.

Mario Kart World may not make the most convincing case that going open-world was the boost the series needed, but excellent multiplayer racing, incredible polish, and the thrilling new Knockout Tour mode still more than live up to its legacy.

Tracks new and old look gorgeous, items boast high visual impact, and I'm not yet bored of scooping up costumes, but the top level gameplay changes are not easy to ignore. Perhaps my biggest gripes will be addressed in a patch down the track, but for now I'm not sure World is yet ready to replace my party game mainstay or its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

World is more playful, more unpredictable, and more willing to give players all the toys they need to have fun and put the pedal to the metal. Even days after launch as the only proper exclusive title for Nintendo Switch 2, there is a foundation here I cannot wait to see iterated upon.

Throw in the fact that Mario Kart World costs more than your usual release, and while it’s undoubtedly the best entry in the series yet in most regards, it’s hard to call it utterly essential. That might change further down the line, depending on what Nintendo does with the game post-launch, but unless you’re buying it bundled with your Switch 2, you might want to wait for a bit of a discount. For those not all that concerned about splashing the cash for it, though, Mario Kart World offers hours upon hours of thrilling karting action, especially for those who love racing online against other like-minded folk.

Mario Kart World might not be quite as easy to recommend as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe yet, but it’s still an absolutely fantastic kart racer that’s just as chaotic, imaginative, and vibrant as its predecessors. Knockout Tour alone has ensured I’ll be playing for a long-old time yet, even if it does have me swearing like a sailor who just stubbed his toe. Savour the rage of second place, it’s how you know you’re alive.

It’s such a shame that the key selling point of the Mario Kart Switch 2 game, its open world, falls a bit flat, because pretty much everything else is so, so good. Ok, the lack of kart customization bothers me a little, but with a crazier cast of characters, fun items, and incredibly imaginative tracks, the racing is as good as it has ever been...And in Knockout Tour’s hectic 24-player battle royale-style matches, it’s even better, proving that Nintendo can still deliver surprises that completely change the way we play its iconic games. I never thought I needed or wanted a BR-style mode in Mario Kart, and now I’m sitting here questioning why it’s never been added before. If only it had been called Mario Kart Knockout, eh?

Mario Kart World, the latest iteration of a decades-spanning franchise, has been winnowed into something smoothly efficient and entirely absent of blemishes. But these games are toys, things to boop and to beep, before putting them back down again.

Mario Kart World takes the series in a bold new direction that mostly pays off. Each of the tracks has been expertly designed, the new Trick mechanics make Mario Kart more fun than ever, and the soundtrack is almost unbelievable. Nintendo has established the bones of an outstanding product, yet the new intermission tracks and online functionality troubles hold it back from being what it could be.

Mario Kart World is an exciting racing game, especially online and in couch co-op. It's not the Nintendo's Forza Horizon though. We only got a mere substitute for it.

A lot of flash and some substance, it’s a very fun game in a package that doesn’t live up to its massive potential, much less the massive price tag it’s introduced to mainstream gaming.

Despite all the criticisms that have been made about its open world, Mario Kart World remains a leading social game and still knows how to easily bring players from all walks of life into its wake. The more fortunate will even indulge in the luxury of the camera that allows you to display your friend's face in a vignette when he overtakes you for maximum provocation. Despite its flaws, we are still on a sure bet that will occupy many evenings and we trust Nintendo to offer it a follow-up worthy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.