Mario Kart World

- Reviewed on Switch 2 -

Mario Kart World released on June 5th, 2025.

Developed by Nintendo, this latest installment in the iconic racing series brings both familiar thrills and new elements to the table. 

Playing it on the Switch 2, I had the chance to experience the game’s updated graphics, larger roster, and expanded modes firsthand.

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

The story in Mario Kart has never been a central focus, and this title is no exception. 

There isn’t a traditional plot, but the game does provide an open world hub to explore. 

Here, you can unlock missions, collect items, and find new costumes and characters. 

While it’s a neat addition, I didn’t find the open world particularly compelling compared to the core racing experience. 

Still, it’s an interesting touch that shows Nintendo’s willingness to experiment with the Mario Kart formula.

The gameplay itself is where Mario Kart World shines. The series has always been about fast, chaotic, and fun racing, and this installment delivers. 

The game runs smoothly, even with larger player counts, and the visuals are absolutely stunning. 

One of the biggest highlights for me was the sheer number of characters to choose from and unlock, along with the new customization options. 

You can unlock costumes, upgrade visuals, and make each racer feel unique.

For modes, there’s plenty to do. Traditional battle modes return, and the new Knockout Mode is a blast. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and addictive, and it felt like the most exciting part of the game outside of racing. 

The open world hub also offers mini missions, though they aren’t particularly engaging.

That said, not everything in Mario Kart World hits the mark. 

The new maps introduced in this edition don’t quite live up to the memorable tracks from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or earlier games. 

Many of the in-between tracks are long, vertical, and frankly boring. 

While the racing mechanics themselves are still solid, they feel recycled, giving the impression that the core gameplay is a bit “copy and paste.” 

Overall, the game didn’t hook me as strongly as previous Mario Kart titles did.

Pros: 

    - Huge roster of characters and unlockables
    - Open world to explore
    - Stunning graphics and smooth performance
    - Large multiplayer support
    - Knockout Mode is highly fun
    - Customization options, including new costumes
    - Classic battle modes

Cons:

    - New tracks aren’t very memorable
    - Open world isn’t particularly engaging
    - Core racing mechanics feel recycled
    - Some tracks are long and vertical, which can get boring

    My Rating for Mario Kart World (on Switch 2):

    4 / 5


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    Disclaimer

    All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.



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