Mario Kart World Reviews
The Nintendo Switch 2's flagship game is a winner, and often feels more like a journey with your friends than a straight competition
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.
ScreenRant's review of Mario Kart World.
Despite the 'world' part of the game's title not quite fulfilling its potential, Mario Kart World is a delight to play and a fitting launch game for Nintendo's new console.
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.
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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?
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 toda,y but there is a good reason why only Mario Kart has stood the test of time for over 30 years.
It just isn’t quite the kind of inspired invention that marks Nintendo’s greatest achievements, and it certainly isn’t the kind that would justify shelling out for a shiny new console all on its own.
Mario Kart World is a near-total success and remains a must-have even if you grumble about a couple of small things. Its risk-taking pays off and it successfully manages its hairpin turn towards more subtle gameplay, but still just as fun and exhilarating.
Review in French | Read full review
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 a revolutionary way on making things inside the franchise. Nintendo have pulled a superb new karting game that marks a new standard for the genre.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
A bold leap forward, but doesn’t stick the landing
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.
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 World is a visually stunning and exhilarating racer that delivers substantial innovations and some of the best gameplay mechanics the series has ever seen. The massive 24-player races justify the $80 price tag, even if it causes initial sticker shock. While held back by restrictive customization options, limited Battle Mode offerings, awkward online experiences when playing with friends, and an unintuitive character selection interface, the game still manages to deliver plenty of excitement and charm. Despite these notable caveats, Mario Kart World remains a must-buy title alongside the new system.
Mario Kart World redefines what a kart racer can be, blending freedom with innovative race mechanics and unforgettable charm. While its unstructured approach won't click with everyone, it's an impressive, polished, and endlessly fun new direction for the genre.
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.
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.