When working on the first Mario Kart game for Switch 2, Nintendo decided against sticking to numbered sequels, opting instead to call what would have been the series’ ninth entry Mario Kart World. It signaled the team’s ambition to try a more modern approach to the popular franchise.
Mario Kart World is the Switch 2’s most high-profile launch title, and it’s the series’ newest game in roughly a decade. That’s a lot of pressure even for a Nintendo flagship property, but Mario Kart World does not disappoint. During a private hands-on event held in New York, WIRED spent several hours with the game’s single and multiplayer modes, including its Knockout tour, battles, and vast open areas. While it wasn’t enough for a full review of the game, the time we spent with Mario Kart World offered a promising look at the Switch 2’s debut.
The biggest change to the game is right there in the title: an interconnected world map, Free Roam, that players can explore every part of, even outside of races. In other words, players can drive everywhere, from beachy tracks to snowy mountains, offroad or on. Hidden throughout the game’s world are special challenges and unlockables, including drive-throughs that grant certain characters new outfits.
That world feels impressive in scope and unlike any of the previous games in the series, where the most exploring players could do involved hunting for shortcuts to use in races. While it’s possible to stick to roads and highways the whole time you spend in Mario Kart World, the real joy here is in charting your own path between grand prix.
Still from Mario Kart World.Courtesy of Nintendo
Beyond the hype, 'Mario Kart World' races deliver an unparalleled chaos that elevates each contest to real entertainment wonders. With even more bump-and-'banana'-induced excitement than ever before.
The 'Mario Kart World' races are more chaotic than ever, but the added layer of chaos only amplifies their undeniable charm and sheer enthralling fun - making them not just a gameplay improvement; they represent an evolution to greater excitement.
The chaotic thrill of Mario Kart World's races is both more unpredictable and enduringly enjoyable, offering a unique gaming experience unlike any other.
The sporadic chaos and unprecedented excitement of the 'Mario Kart World' races makes for a gaming experience that is not just more manic than before, but ultimately richer in both thrills andeventualities.
The chaotic thrill of 'Mario Kart World' races is truly unparalleled, delivering an experience more intense and exhilarating than ever before.
The races in 'Mario Kart World' are more chaotic yet incredibly thrilling, offering a vivid and unparalleled gaming experience that perfectly balances nostalgia with modern innovation.
The chaotic thrill of ‘Mario Kart World’ races is more intense and engaging than ever before, offering a truly unparalleled gaming experience that blends nostalgia with next-generation technology.
The chaotic thrill of 'Mario Kart World' races is at an all-time high, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience that not only encompasses the series’ iconic charm but pushes boundaries for both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.
The chaotic thrill of 'Mario Kart World' racing has never been more exciting or entertaining, masterfully combining nostalgic charm with unparalleled visuals and gameplay innovations to deliver an unprecedented race experience.
The races in ‘Mario Kart World’ are more chaotic and frantically thrilling than ever, offering a dizzying array of game modes that perfectly balance player strategy with unpredictable luck-driven excitement.
The chaotic thrill of racing in the 'Mario Kart World' surpasses all previous iterations, offering an unparalleled and exhilarating experience unlike any other kart-racing competition.
The chaos and excitement of the new ‘Mario Kart World’ racing events surpass all prior iterations, offering an unparalleled thrill ride that's both more frantic—and undeniably better.
'The races in Mario Kart World are more frenetic, unpredictable and frenziedly enthralling than ever before; an amusing adrenaline rush that takes the series to new heights of joyful chaos.'
