Introduction to Mario Kart World

Mario Kart 8 and its Deluxe update have been available for a long time, making it easy to forget that the game originated from the Wii U. However, with the upcoming release of the Switch 2 on June 5, Mario Kart World seems like the perfect launch partner.

Game Features and Impressions

While there hasn’t been a bad Mario Kart game, World feels like Nintendo has added an extra boost to every aspect. The roster of characters is massive, featuring all the big names like Peach and Yoshi, as well as baby versions of many characters, Toadette, Pauline, Nabbit, and many more. This extensive range also applies to the vehicles, which include standard karts, jet skis, and scooters.

The world of Mario Kart feels vast, with tracks that seamlessly connect to each other, weather effects, and day/night shifts, making the game feel more alive. The game also features a huge range of tracks, organized into several Grand Prix circuits.

Knockout Tour Mode

The most enjoyable part of the game was the Knockout Tour mode, which is similar to Mario Kart meets F-Zero 99. In this mode, 24 players compete in a single race that progresses across multiple tracks, with the last four players being eliminated every few laps. The goal is to dodge shells, use mushroom boosts, shortcuts, and power slides to stay at the front of the pack. This mode is a non-stop frenzy that is highly engaging.

Graphics and Performance

The game also features a 120 fps mode, which is exceptionally smooth. Racing has never looked this good on any Nintendo console, making Mario Kart World a great showcase for the Switch 2’s upgraded display and performance.

Additional Features and Price

Although the game’s price is $80 for a digital copy or $90 for a physical cart, purchasing the Switch 2 bundle that includes the game can bring the price down to $50. This bundle seems like a good option for those planning to get a Switch 2 at launch.