Mario Kart World: Switch 2’s open-world racer, a sourced analysis
Mario Kart World is Nintendo’s racing game launched alongside Nintendo Switch 2, as an exclusive. A summary of official information and three reviews; this is not a hands-on TricknFix review.
Game trailer
Tracks linked in an open world
Released on 5 June 2025 with Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World connects its tracks in a vast interconnected world: in Grand Prix you drive from one course to the next and the routes are part of the race. Knockout Tour chains courses without a break, knocking players out at each of five checkpoints, while Free Roam lets you explore the world and its challenges. Races host up to 24 drivers, and four can play on one console.
What the press says
Nintendo Life describes a mechanically rich kart racer full of secrets and joy that refines and expands the formula, with a delightfully chaotic Knockout Tour and an incredible soundtrack, but an open world that takes a while to find its rhythm and needs better rewards, plus odd Grand Prix intermissions. GamesRadar+ calls it the best first-party launch game for Switch 2, with hectic racing that never feels unfair and a beautiful open world, while noting maybe too many collectibles, a world that may feel barren and a game that is ultimately a souped-up kart racer. Pocket Tactics praises a bold new vision, stunning tracks and a superb soundtrack, while wishing the intermissions could be toggled off.
Platform and price
On 12 November 2026 the French Nintendo eShop lists Mario Kart World at €79.99. A boxed version exists, but its price could not be verified on a seller page for this survey. Online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership, not included.
Who is it for?
Anyone who plays with others, at home or online, and players who enjoy mastering driving technique. Those expecting a true open-world adventure may find Free Roam underwhelming.
Press average
The score block above shows the press average computed from original reviews of the Switch 2 version, checked on 12 November 2026: Nintendo Life 9/10, GamesRadar+ 4.5/5 and Pocket Tactics 9/10. Each score is converted to /20 and averaged with equal weight. This summary is not a hands-on review.
What to know
A rich Mario Kart that is hilarious with friends, though its open world is less convincing than its races.
Strengths
- Delightfully chaotic Knockout Tour, says Nintendo Life.
- Hectic racing that never feels unfair, says GamesRadar+.
- Stunning tracks and a standout soundtrack, says Pocket Tactics.
Things to consider
- Open world slow to find its rhythm and light on rewards, says Nintendo Life.
- Too many collectibles and a sometimes barren world, says GamesRadar+.
- Intermissions between tracks can’t be turned off, says Pocket Tactics.
Sources and credits
Game gallery
4 images
Game details
- Developer
- Nintendo
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Release
- Jun 5, 2025
- Genres
- Racing · Family
- Game website
- Official website ↗
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