Mario Kart World Reviews
Mario Kart World is simply the best-looking, sounding, and playing Mario Kart game we've had. With new additions like doubling the player count of Knockout Tour, it's clear that Nintendo has plenty of ways to improve and expand this long-running franchise
Mario Kart World is a daring development that combines well-known racing with an open-world element that is both fresh and unpopular. Its 30 tracks, 24-player races, and new mechanics like grinding and wall riding deliver thrilling chaos, while Knockout Tour and Battle Mode keep the adrenaline pumping. The Free Roam mode, with its P Switch missions and collectibles, offers a relaxing distraction but lacks the depth of other open-world racers like Forza Horizon.
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!
Review in Finnish | Read full review
It’s not the ultimate Mario Kart package some might have hoped for, and at this price, it could’ve offered just a little more structure. But what’s here feels fresh, considered, and ambitious. It clearly is the start of a new generation
Riding the momentum of a decade-long gap between major installments, Mario Kart World attempts to redefine kart racing by merging open-world exploration, high-speed chaos, and competitive endurance into one massive experience. Developed with the power of the new Switch 2 hardware in mind, this isn't merely a sequel. It's a leap into uncharted territory.
Mario Kart World is without a doubt the most ambitious game in the series to date. The open world, revamped mechanics, and chaotic new modes like Knockout Tour show that Nintendo is willing to innovate. Not everything is perfect: the world can feel empty at times, and 24 racers isn’t always the best choice. But thanks to a strong presentation, a brilliant soundtrack, split-screen gameplay, and a healthy amount of content, this is a Mario Kart you’ll want to come back to again and again. It may be expensive, but if Nintendo stays on course and continues to support the game for free in the years to come, this could very well be the definitive Mario Kart.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Mario Kart World was one of Nintendo’s best decisions with the arrival of the Switch 2. The game is visually stunning, features a nostalgic soundtrack, and offers a large amount of collectible content. Perhaps the biggest downside is, indeed, the price. Even with all the new features, it’s a value that only the most passionate Mario Kart fans will be willing to pay outside of the bundle.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Mario Kart World is far from a standard upgrade. It's an exceptional new entry for the long-running series, thanks to its track designs, dynamic online play, the intense 24-player races, and a deeper challenge found in the new Knockout Tour mode.
Mario Kart World is a solid entry into the Mario Kart series, but it is still outshone by its predecessor in many ways. While the world in Mario Kart World feels barren, the entertaining and chaotic gameplay we love from the series may well be at its peak.
Mario Kart World moves the series in a bold new direction with open world and battle royale elements, but there's a distinct feeling of loneliness in the free roam.
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.
I have mixed feelings about Mario Kart World. I’ve enjoyed my time with the game, but there are several major issues that I just can’t ignore. The terrible character select screen, the lackluster Free Roam and battle modes, and the small number of tracks leave a lot to be desired. That said, the better graphics, the character roster, and the vast content in the game are a step in the right direction.
As the ideal title to launch a brand new Nintendo console, Mario Kart World gives the Nintendo Switch 2 a head start. Featuring some of the most polished, creative racing across the entire series, World is an audio-visual delight that pays tribute to one of gaming’s most beloved series. With new additions like Knockout Tour and an expansive open world, there’s plenty to enjoy. But it’s not without its issues. An emphasis on the open world leaves the game’s best aspects, its tracks, in the dust. For Mario Kart die-hards dedicated purely to the racing experience, World might still lose the race to its predecessor. But for those who enjoy Mario Kart primarily for multiplayer enjoyment, this new entry delivers a world of enjoyment.
Mario Kart World is ultimately a fantastic new take on the Mario Kart formula, even if the open world feels like an unnecessary addition.
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