Nintendo Switch 2 racing game reshapes a classic series

A look at Mario Kart World on Switch 2 highlights open world tracks, new modes, and the tradeoffs the reviewer notes.

Nintendo Switch 2 racing game reshapes a classic series

The article previews Mario Kart World for Switch 2, noting a shift from the traditional lap format to open world tracks set across a larger map. It highlights features such as a varied cast of characters, new shortcuts, and multiplayer enhancements powered by GameChat on the Switch 2.
The piece also points out drawbacks, including the absence of free roaming in multiplayer and a world that sometimes feels empty, but it emphasizes that players can still find plenty to do through challenges, collectibles, and outfits. It attributes the review to Nathan Ingraham, Deputy Editor, and frames the game as accessible to newcomers while offering depth for long time fans.

Nintendo is testing a shift toward exploration in a familiar racer. Opening the world changes pacing and invites discovery between races, which could broaden the game’s appeal beyond die hard Mario Kart fans. Yet the move risks weakening the tight, competitive rhythm that defined the series for years.
The review also highlights a design tension: single player exploration versus online competition. If Nintendo can keep multiplayer lively and the world feeling alive, the new format may extend the franchise’s lifespan. If not, it risks fragmenting the audience between casual explorers and competitive racers.

Highlights

The next steps will hinge on player response to the open world approach and how well Nintendo sustains multiplayer momentum.