Mario Kart World Review

Mario Kart World hits the gas with thrilling new modes, stunning visuals, and heart-racing chaos, my full review.

As someone who’s been chasing checkered flags since Super Mario Kart on the SNES, it’s surreal to see just how far the series has evolved. From flat 2D sprites to wild anti-gravity tracks in full 3D, I’ve drifted through every era of Mario Kart. So, when Mario Kart World was unveiled as the flagship racer for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the first new mainline entry in over a decade, I was instantly hyped. Now, after dozens of hours tearing up the tracks solo and tag-teaming with my 11-year-old son, I can confidently say: this is the most exhilarating Mario Kart yet.

"...this is the most exhilarating Mario Kart yet."

With buttery-smooth controls, a smorgasbord of modes, and that signature Nintendo charm, Mario Kart World is high-octane fun that’s hard to put down and trust me, we haven’t. Let’s hit the grid with my full review and discuss what puts Mario Kart World in the winner’s circle.

Mario Kart World Review Details

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

Developer: Nintendo EPD

Publisher: Nintendo

Genre: Kart Racing, Racing

Available game modes: Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, Time Trials, Online Play, Battle Mode, Open-World P Challenges

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

Mario Kart World Is Packed with Modes Galore

Mario Kart World offers a wide variety of modes that cater to both longtime fans and new players, with some that hit the mark and others that fall just short of the podium. The traditional Grand Prix remains a fun foundation, and it’s presented here in top form. It offers 30 tracks spanning eight cups, with a mix of beautifully remastered classic circuits and impressive new additions.

"It offers 30 tracks spanning eight cups, with a mix of beautifully remastered classic circuits and impressive new additions."

With the new tracks, musical scores and added modes, there’s plenty to keep coming back for.

Knockout Tour – The Star of the Show

This needs its own spotlight. Knockout Tour is Mario Kart World’s best new idea and might be the most thrilling mode the series has ever delivered. Unlike the traditional cup races, Knockout Tour transforms every track into a high-stakes elimination gauntlet. Racers drop off one-by-one each lap until a final duel settles the race. It’s heart-pounding stuff.

This mode is especially clever because it takes advantage of the game’s open-world layouts, blending exploratory elements with the intense focus of competitive racing. You’re not just trying to finish the race — you’re strategizing routes, optimizing shortcuts, and defending your position while the course literally collapses behind you. I can’t stress this enough: it’s pure white-knuckle fun and a much-needed shake-up for a formula that could’ve easily coasted.

A Charming but Sparse Open World

The Open World Challenges offer a more relaxed, exploratory experience, allowing you to take on objectives across freely navigable environments. While these challenges vary in quality, some are creative, others less inspired, they provide a welcome break from traditional races and show an ambition to broaden the game’s scope. It would have been ideal to see a little more in the open world areas, as sometimes they are devoid of character and things to see and do. Still, it’s a welcome addition that I hope the franchise continues to build on.

Mario Kart World Online Mayhem

On the technical front, online play has been consistently stable in my time with the game, even during full 12-player sessions. I figured I’d mentioned this as it’s a notable improvement over past entries and a crucial aspect to help keep the Mario Kart community committed long-term.

Pedal to the Metal – Gameplay That’s Pure Nitro

Nintendo didn’t mess with the magic formula; Mario Kart World is still one of the tightest-feeling racers around, but it definitely added some spice. The core mechanics remain sharp as ever: powersliding, boosting, item juggling, it’s all as joyful and rage-inducing as you remember. What’s new this time are mechanics that keep the action unpredictable and fresh.

Mario Kart World Offers More Items, More Chaos

Mario Kart World takes its item chaos to a whole new level with an expanded roster that keeps races unpredictable and thrilling. The Ice Flower launches icy projectiles to freeze rivals in their tracks, while Kamek’s magic transforms your opponents in mysterious ways, leaving you guessing what might happen next. Classic favourites return with exciting twists: the Mega Mushroom enlarges both driver and vehicle, granting a burst of speed and the power to flatten anyone in your path, and the Hammer arcs across the track to strike competitors, temporarily leaving obstacles in its wake.

A Hop, Skip and a Jump

Jumping has also been expanded beyond standard ramps—players can now perform mid-air tricks that give mini-turbo boosts when landing cleanly, rewarding skillful timing and daring maneuvers. Clever use of jumps and evasive maneuvers can help avoid attacks and even reveal alternate routes, adding a layer of strategy to the mayhem. Combined, these tweaks mean every turn feels just a little more dangerous, every shortcut more rewarding, and every victory even sweeter.

Looking Dapper on the Circuit

Beyond the items themselves, I had an absolute blast unlocking new costumes and vehicle parts — many of which provide light gameplay modifiers — but it’s the visual flair that truly makes every race feel fresh and exciting. Playing with my son brought the experience full circle. Co-op racing and local battles are where Mario Kart World truly shines — the excitement, the betrayal, the last-second wins. It’s become our go-to evening activity. He’s already better than me on some courses (which I definitely allow, 100%, totally on purpose).

Eye Candy on the Track – Graphics and Performance

Visually, Mario Kart World is a stunner. On the Nintendo Switch 2, it runs at a rock-solid 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes, with dynamic 4K scaling and HDR10 support. The lighting and environmental effects are lush, with particles kicking up from drifting tires and reflections shimmering off wet pavement.

"This is Mario Kart operating at full artistic throttle."

But the pièce de résistance? The new Rainbow Road. I don’t say this lightly — it’s the best version ever made. It’s a cosmic dreamscape with black holes, nebulae, and shifting gravity platforms that feels equal parts race track and space opera finale. My first run through it left my jaw on the floor. This is Mario Kart operating at full artistic throttle.

Auditory Excellence Mario Kart World Sound and Music

If the visuals floored me, the audio cemented it. Mario Kart World comes packed with over 200 musical tracks, pulling from a greatest hits lineup of Nintendo history: Donkey Kong Country, Yoshi’s Island, WarioWare, and even obscure gems like Mole Mania. The instrumentation is dynamic, shifting based on your position in the race — fall behind and the music gets tense; shoot into first and it bursts into heroic flourishes. Each track has its own unique vibe, featuring instruments ranging from bongo drums to electric guitars and synth orchestras.

"Each track has its own unique vibe, featuring instruments ranging from bongo drums to electric guitars and synth orchestras."

I’d love for Nintendo to add a music player mode, because honestly, I’d put this OST on loop while I work. Sound effects remain punchy and iconic, with satisfying engine revs, satisfying item pickups, and yes — the ever-horrifying squeal of a blue shell inbound.

Final (Lap) Thoughts on Mario Kart World: A Must-Play Racer

In a world stuffed with live-service games and microtransactions, Mario Kart World is a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t try to be anything other than the best version of Mario Kart you’ve ever played — and it mostly succeeds. The Knockout Tour alone is worth the price of admission, while the graphical leap and bountiful content provide hours upon hours of joyful competition. Sure, not every open-world challenge lands, and some maps feel a little too spacious for their own good. But these are nitpicks in an otherwise turbo-charged, finely tuned package that knows exactly what it’s doing. If you’ve loved Mario Kart before, this is your new obsession. And if you’re new to the track? Welcome to the starting line.

Mario Kart World PROS

+Knockout Tour is a game-changer

+Gorgeous visuals with buttery performance

+Fun unlockables and costumes

Mario Kart World CONS

-Some open-world areas feel sparse

-Would love a better music-player UI

-Small course roster

Overall Assessment of Mario Kart World

Gameplay: 9/10

Graphics: 9/10

Sound: 9/10

Lasting appeal / Replayability: 9/10

Mario Kart World Overall Rating: 36/40 – 90% (9/10)

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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