Mario Kart World Review: The Game That Changes Everything (Nintendo Switch 2)
TL;DR: Mario Kart World isn't just another sequel—it's a complete reinvention that proves Nintendo still knows how to shock the gaming world. After 50+ hours of play at home in Deland, I can confidently say this is the most revolutionary racing game in decades.
Rating: 9/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Look, I've been fixing gaming setups in DeLand for the last 5 months, and I thought I'd seen everything. Then Nintendo dropped Mario Kart World and completely broke the rules of what a kart racer could be. This isn't Mario Kart 9—it's something entirely different, and after weeks of playing (and fixing Joy-Con drift on the new controllers), I'm convinced it's the best thing to happen to racing games since the original Super Mario Kart.
What Makes Mario Kart World So Special?
It's Not Just Racing Anymore—It's an Adventure
Remember how every Mario Kart game before this was just a collection of tracks? Forget that. Mario Kart World connects all 32 courses through one massive, explorable world. You can literally drive from Rainbow Road to Bowser's Castle without a loading screen. It sounds gimmicky until you experience it—then it's pure magic.
The game opens in Crown City, this sprawling hub world that feels like a living Mario universe. You'll spot familiar landmarks from decades of Mario games, but reimagined for racing. Want to take a detour through Peach's garden before hitting the next race? Go for it. Feel like exploring the underground tunnels beneath Toad Town? The game encourages it.
24-Player Knockout Tour: Pure Chaos (In the Best Way)
Here's where Mario Kart World gets really interesting. Knockout Tour mode throws 24 players into elimination-style races across connected courses. Picture this: you start with 24 racers in Mushroom Cup, the last 8 get eliminated, survivors move to the next track, repeat until one player remains standing.
I've been running local tournaments at my shop, and watching 24 people scream at their screens while getting blue-shelled in the final stretch? That's peak gaming entertainment. The mode works brilliantly because the open-world design lets eliminated players explore and find shortcuts for next time instead of just sitting there waiting.
The Technical Stuff That Actually Matters
Running this on Nintendo Switch 2 is like night and day compared to the original Switch. We're talking:
- 1440p handheld, 4K docked with rock-solid 60fps
- DLSS upscaling that makes everything look crispy
- Ray tracing reflections on car hoods and wet surfaces
- 4-hour battery life in handheld mode (not bad for this level of visual fidelity)
The jump in visual quality is enormous. I've been comparing side-by-side with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and it's honestly embarrassing how much better World looks. Character animations are smoother, environments are more detailed, and the lighting effects actually make you stop racing just to admire the scenery.
What I Love About the DeLand Gaming Scene Response
Local Multiplayer is Back (And Better)
Setting up Mario Kart World for DeLand families has been incredible. The game supports up to 8 players locally with multiple Switch 2 consoles, and the new GameChat feature means kids can video call their friends while racing. Parents love it because it encourages actual social interaction instead of anonymous online play.
I've installed this game on probably 50+ consoles in the past month, and the reaction is always the same: within 10 minutes, everyone's laughing and trash-talking like it's 1992 again. The game brings people together in a way that modern gaming rarely achieves.
Perfect for Florida's Gaming Culture
DeLand's gaming community has always preferred local co-op over online competition, and Mario Kart World delivers exactly that. The hot summer months when everyone's stuck inside? This game is perfect. Family reunions at the beach house? Bring the Switch 2 and watch three generations battle it out.
The Good, The Bad, and The Blue Shells
What Works Brilliantly
Open-World Integration: Once you experience seamless transitions between tracks, going back to traditional menu-based racing feels archaic. Racing from Bowser's Castle directly into Rainbow Road without stopping creates this incredible sense of momentum.
Knockout Tour Mode: This is the best new multiplayer format in years. The elimination tension keeps everyone engaged, and 24-player races create moments of pure chaos that you'll be talking about for weeks.
Visual Upgrade: The Switch 2 hardware finally lets Nintendo create the Mario Kart they've always wanted. Everything looks fantastic, from character expressions to environmental details.
New Racing Mechanics: Rail grinding, wall-riding, and "Charge Jump" abilities add depth without overcomplicating the classic Mario Kart formula.
What Could Be Better
Free Roam Mode: While exploring the world is cool, it can feel empty compared to dedicated open-world racing games. Nintendo packed in 394 P-Switches and collectibles, but the exploration lacks the reward structure of something like Forza Horizon.
Track Count: Going from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's 96 tracks (with DLC) to 32 courses feels like a step backward, even if these courses are more complex and interconnected.
Price Point: At $79.99, this is Nintendo's most expensive standard game ever. The content justifies it, but it's still a tough sell for budget-conscious families.
The Elephant in the Room: Is It Still Mario Kart?
Some longtime fans worry that adding open-world elements dilutes the pure racing focus. I get it—if you just want tight, competitive racing, Free Roam mode might feel like unnecessary padding.
But here's the thing: traditional Grand Prix racing is still there and better than ever. The open world enhances the experience rather than replacing it. You can ignore the exploration completely and just race if that's your preference.
Technical Performance for Gaming Enthusiasts
Switch 2 Optimization
Nintendo's optimization work is impressive. The game maintains consistent performance across all modes:
- Handheld: 1440p at 60fps, occasional drops to 1296p during intense 24-player sequences
- Docked: 4K upscaled from 1800p native, locked 60fps even in the most chaotic moments
- Load Times: Under 5 seconds for any transition, practically instantaneous for most
Joy-Con 2 Integration
The new controllers feel significantly more responsive than the originals. The magnetic attachment system is genius—no more worn-out rails. However, I've already seen a few cases of stick drift, so that particular Nintendo tradition continues.
The haptic feedback during crashes and power-ups adds genuine immersion. When you hit a boost pad, you actually feel the acceleration through the controller.
DeLand Gaming Community Verdict
Family Gaming Champion
Every DeLand family I've set this up for becomes immediately obsessed. Parents who haven't touched a controller in years find themselves staying up late practicing Knockout Tour strategies. Kids love the exploration elements. Teenagers appreciate the competitive depth.
Local Tournament Scene
The gaming community here has embraced Mario Kart World tournaments enthusiastically. Blue Dragon Video Games in nearby Ormond Beach is already organizing regional competitions.
The game's spectator-friendly design makes it perfect for local events. Watching 24-player Knockout Tours is genuinely entertaining even if you're not playing.
Technical Service Perspective
From a repair standpoint, Switch 2 consoles are holding up well so far. The main issues I've seen are:
- Joy-Con stick drift (unfortunately still present)
- Occasional overheating during extended 4K play
- Memory card compatibility issues with older Switch cards
Nothing major, and all easily fixable with the right tools and expertise.
Should You Buy Mario Kart World?
Absolutely Yes If You:
- Love local multiplayer gaming
- Want to experience cutting-edge Nintendo innovation
- Enjoy exploration and discovery in your racing games
- Have friends/family who game regularly
- Own or plan to buy a Switch 2
Maybe Skip If You:
- Only play solo racing games
- Prefer ultra-realistic racing simulators
- Can't justify the $79.99 price point
- Don't own a Switch 2 (it's exclusive to the new console)
The Bottom Line for DeLand Gamers
Mario Kart World represents exactly what we needed: a game that brings people together while showcasing incredible technical achievement. It's the kind of experience that reminds you why Nintendo remains special in an industry obsessed with battle royales and live services.
I can tell you that games like this are rare. Mario Kart World creates genuine joy and connection in a way that transcends age groups and gaming experience levels.
Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it requires a $450 console. But if you're looking for the definitive reason to upgrade to Switch 2, this is it. The game doesn't just justify the new hardware—it makes everything else feel outdated.
Nintendo took a massive risk reinventing their most successful franchise, and they absolutely nailed it. Mario Kart World isn't just the best racing game of 2025—it's the best local multiplayer experience I've played in years.
Need Help Setting Up Your Switch 2 Gaming Station?
Getting Mario Kart World running perfectly can be tricky, especially with multiple controllers and proper display settings. As DeLand's local gaming experts, we've helped dozens of families optimize their Switch 2 setups for the best Mario Kart World experience.
From Joy-Con 2 calibration to 4K display configuration, we make sure your games run smooth and look amazing on any TV or monitor.
Contact Xtremery for Switch 2 Setup & Repair:
- 📧 hunter@xtremery.com
- 📞 (406) 868-5850
- 📍 Serving DeLand, FL and surrounding areas
"We fix the stuff other shops won't touch."