Mario Kart World Reviews
Mario Kart World introduces a new open-world map, but it feels like it’s missing the full dose of Nintendo’s signature magic we’d expect from a flagship launch title.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Mario Kart World is destined to be a landmark title. Not only does it have the honor of accompanying the launch of the new Nintendo generation, but it also has the burden of evolving the solid formula of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. However, the end result manages to go beyond a simple improvement, ending up representing a true revolution for the historic franchise. The new gameplay introductions (grinding and wall running) are so impactful on the way of reading and approaching races that they make World a real novelty even for the most experienced players. In this light, what is not fully convincing, however, is the open world structure (which could and probably should have been better) as well as a multiplayer component that, at least at this time, struggles to find a balance between the increased number of players and the chaotic welter of weapons. Even deeper than before and with an encyclopedic amount of content, Mario's return to the racetrack is the archetypal perfect launch title.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Mario Kart World is a strong launch title for the Switch 2, shaking up the classic formula with an open world and exciting knockout tours while still feeling comfortingly familiar. While the chaotic 24-player races shine online, the offline experience is hampered by unfair AI, but the overall technical performance is excellent—and future content could make the game even more compelling.
Review in German | Read full review
|s Mario Kart World capable of carrying the Nintendo Switch 2 launch on its own? The answer is, yes, if you're a fan of the franchise
Review in Greek | Read full review
Mario Kart World is a solid addition to the franchise, with interesting twists that bring new dynamics to the series. The introduction of interconnected tracks and new techniques offer new levels of complexity while still maintaining a good balance for casual players. However, some issues, such as the lack of inspiration in the roads between the courses and the unattractive rewards in Free Mode, hold the game back from reaching its full potential. Still, the game captivates with stunning visuals, fun modes, and a dynamic atmosphere that captures the chaotic essence of what Mario Kart is all about, while also offering possibilities for the future. Ultimately, Mario Kart World won me over — it's chaotic, beautiful, and addictive in the way the series knows how to be.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Mario Kart World may not revolutionize the franchise, but it brings enough new features to mark a real evolution. Its open world adds an unprecedented exploratory dimension, while Survival mode offers an original and effective competitive formula. The tracks are varied and well-designed, and take full advantage of the console's new technical capabilities, both visually and in terms of overall fluidity.
Review in French | Read full review
I don’t think it’s entirely fair to compare Mario Kart World to Mario Kart 8. It’s a different beast with unique design philosophies and ideas. How much enjoyment you get out of it is really going to depend on how much you gel with what it’s trying to achieve. Even if it isn’t your cup of tea, Mario Kart World is still a great kart racer with the potential to evolve into something excellent if this formula is built on further.
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Mario Kart World may have been slightly controversial based on its price, but realistically based on my time played already vs my time playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it seems somewhat justifiable. The Switch 2 has a significantly better online experience, meaning less connection issues during races. Having essentially double the amount of races with Grand Prix and Knockout Tours, plus having the free roam all means there’s a ton more to do just playing the game alone.
It’s quite simple – Mario Kart World is essential owning on Switch 2. Not only is this the best and biggest Mario Kart ever made, the Knockout Tour is a game-changing new addition that feels like it always should have been here, the courses are among the best ever seen in the series, including a system-defining moment with Rainbow Road and the vast potential that’s opened up with the map mean you could be playing this through the entire console lifecycle and beyond. You quickly realise that this is a game that could only work on this hardware and it feels like the developers have relished being free of the shackles of previous hardware to create, frankly, their magnum opus. One of the best racers ever made, easily the best Mario Kart of all time, and frankly, the perfect start for a console that feels like it could seriously change the landscape of gaming over the next few years.
It's a shame about the free roam mode, announced as the big new feature of Mario Kart World, which fails to be anything more than a simple and unimpressive diversion. It's a shame, because Mario Kart World remains a sumptuous, gigantic, fun and beautiful game to look at and play. The launch of Switch 2 is slow, with very few first-party titles: this alone, however, is already an excellent calling card.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Mario Kart World shines as a sprawling sequel that deftly expands and develops on the aspects that made Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a long-term success. It’s a fun and rewarding kart racing experience that’s easy to pick up, but offers enough depth to satisfy hardcore fans.
Against all odds, Mario Kart World more than lived up to the hype surrounding its launch. This is easily the best Mario Kart game to come out in years and it shows off the brand new Nintendo Switch 2 in the best way possible.
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.
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.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Putting a new spin on a long legacy, Mario Kart World provides incredibly fun core gameplay, both offline and online. Knockout Tour is an amazing addition and Free Roam is certainly a great addition, even if some improvements could be made. If you want a chaotic kart racer that anyone can play, you won't go wrong with Mario Kart World.
“Mario Kart World” is a bold new beginning that feels fresh, and not just because of the doubling of the drivers. The open world turns the familiar cup structure upside down and also allows for a completely new game mode: the sensational Knockout Tour. It's the best thing that could have happened to “Mario Kart”. There is room for improvement in the unspectacular Free Roam mode, which makes the game world seem boring and empty. The Battle Mode and online multiplayer could also do with more meat on the bone. All in all, however, these are side notes in a well-done, colorful and chaotic overall package. If you own a Switch 2, you should definitely not miss out on this fun.
Review in German | Read full review
Mario Kart World is not only a great first-party launch game for the Switch 2, but it’s also one of the best entries in the franchise to date.
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.