Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World is the latest variant of the racing classic that was released as the headline game with the Nintendo Switch 2. Join us as we play and review this staple of the Nintendo universe!

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in the United States on June 5th, 2025. We were not able to secure a release edition but had one in hand a couple months later. We decided to go with the Mario Kart edition which included a digital download of the game.

One of the coolest features of the Nintendo Switch is the availability of games from previous consoles through a subscription service. For $19.99/year you gain playable access to a library of games for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo and Game Boy. An additional $49.99/year adds the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance.

Released in 1992, Mario Kart has more than 30 years of history. We revisited the original game first - Super Mario Kart from the SNES. Inspired by the futuristic racer F-Zero, Super Mario Kart stretched the capabilities of the hardware using projections of a 2D map to simulate a 3D experience in nauseating fashion. Mario Kart 64 from the Nintendo 64 was the first true 3D Mario Kart and many people's favorite from the franchise.

With 50 selectable characters and 40 vehicles to be unlocked there are 2000 combinations for folks to play. The different combinations yield Speed, Acceleration, Weight and Handling characteristics to suit your style. Adding additional variance, certain characters and vehicles receive bonuses on specific tracks. Sometimes its fun to simply pick what looks cute and memorable from your childhood.

From a platform perspective, the Switch 2 is a hybrid system that can be played as a handheld device or dropped in a dock connected to your TV. The screen is big and beautiful, but heavy for extended play. Connected to our home theater we prefer a big TV for local split-screen competition anchored with thundering surround sound.

We use the optional $89.99 Switch 2 Pro Controllers. The small Joy Cons that detach from the body of the Switch 2 will induce cramps in the hands of most adults after 20-30 minutes. Add four of these and you almost double the price of the base Switch 2. Third party options exist but aren't original Nintendo equipment. You can remove the Joy Cons from the Switch 2 and click them into the included plastic controller body which is passable.

The tracks are big and beautiful with interactive elements that add more variety to gameplay than most racing games. Advanced players look for short cuts that require quick reflexes and specific items to enter. Even the best players can be punished by novice button mashers through powerful items that always go to those furthest behind. Oh, and Rainbow Road returns of course!

Firing up a game of Mario Kart brings back memories of late nights with snacks and strained eyes. The latest version from Nintendo is well put together and a must-own for those who don't already have the previous release. Mario Kart World is a great party game that you can leave running for folks to relax and burn time. Nintendo is expected to continue refining the game through updates - including track modifications that keep things fresh. Wahoo!