Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World may not make the most convincing case that going open-world was the boost the series needed, but excellent multiplayer racing, incredible polish, and the thrilling new Knockout Tour mode still more than live up to its legacy.

Mario Kart World expands on almost everything that made Mario Kart 8 such an enduring success, laying the foundation for years of raucous racing to come.

Mario Kart World offers neat twists on the classic Mario Kart formula, but its open-world ambitions are somewhat let down by some classic Nintendo quirkiness.

I find myself absolutely compelled by Mario Kart World's P-Switch missions

As a launch title for Nintendo’s new system, this is a friendly and approachable release that will delight all members of the family, while also offering a high skill and knowledge ceiling for dedicated players who want to dig deep.

The Nintendo Switch 2's flagship game is a winner, and often feels more like a journey with your friends than a straight competition

Although its open world is wonderfully designed, Mario Kart World's undercooked Free Roam mode means it's not utilised to its fullest, turning what should have been an exciting new direction for the series into a disappointment. This is thankfully salvaged by the traditional Grand Prix, VS Race and Online modes, which are as brilliant as ever, and the exceptional new Knockout Tour battle royale, meaning the overall package is still well worth your time.

A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage. The classic Mario Kart experience has been enhanced by Nintendo Switch 2's hardware, Knockout Tour mode, and an open world to explore. This may be the best game in the franchise.

Right now, Mario Kart World doesn't quite feel like the reinvention of Mario Kart people wanted or expected, but there are few games that bring me as much laughter and joy as this. World refines and expands the formula in meaningful ways while upping the charm in many others.There's still many an open-world surface to scratch, and I need to test my patience with some of those straighter or more familiar courses in Grand Prix, but if you need a pick-me-up, Mario Kart World is sure to bring a smile, and it feels like the perfect start to the Switch 2's life.

Nintendo finds the game in pretty solid shape as it enters 2026. There will undoubtedly be some DLC courses, characters, and cosmetics added over time, and Mario Kart World will continue to be a game that I will return to throughout the entire Switch 2 console generation.