Mario Kart World Reviews
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.
To be fully transparent, I do believe this is a great game, and the direction it’s headed in is promising. Doubling the player count, introducing open-world design, adding more environmental interaction, showcasing new water tech, real-time weather, day and night cycles, and the introduction of new racing mechanics all point to a true generational leap over its predecessor. However, the open world just isn’t utilized to its fullest. It feels like something’s missing and there is not much to chase. Instead of rewarding players with shallow collectibles like stickers, there should’ve been deeper, more engaging activities with far better rewards like hidden secret characters or some crazy vehicle that has maxed out stats for doing everything that free-roam has to offer. The $80 price tag stings even more when you realize how much more could’ve been done with the foundations they’ve built.
Mario Kart World is some of the most fun we've had playing a video game all year. Nintendo's charming, imaginative kart racer misses a couple of big swings but at its core, it's so endearing and hard to put down.
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 is an excellent launch title that serves as an evolution for the long-running racing franchise.
Whether it’s thanks to its accessibility, hidden depth, or the urge to explore every corner of the map, Mario Kart World is a fun ride and a refreshing surprise to kick off a new generation of Nintendo games.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
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.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Mario Kart World is a game that had everything going for it. A new concept, a vastly more powerful console... but it has some design choices that I just can't understand. And of course, I have to talk about the elephant in the room. It's a game that costs a whopping 90 dollars in Brazil. [...] So is this a game that is worth 90 dollars? Unfortunately, that answer is no, at least considering the amount of content it offers at the moment. Now, if the game was only 60 dollars, then I could recommend it. Because if you don't care much for the interconnected tracks or the new Knockout Tours, then Mario Kart World falls apart really quickly, as it leans very heavily on the concept.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Mario Kart World not only honors the legacy of the franchise, but also expands upon it with boldness and creativity. The new free mode, open world, and new modes add layers of depth and replayability to a title that was already synonymous with fun. The experience remains familiar, accessible, and impeccable from a technical and artistic standpoint, all with Nintendo’s hallmark of excellence.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Mario Kart World is a content-rich celebration of kart racing, fusing nostalgia with innovation. Its generous character roster, unlockable gear, and chaotic multiplayer make it a must-play for fans. While it fumbles in areas like UI clarity and pacing, its accessibility options, engaging mechanics, and sheer fun factor steer it toward a strong recommendation, especially for those eager to race, roam, and collect.