Mario Kart World Is Chaos—and That’s the Point

Mario Kart World just dropped—and it’s already rewriting the rules of the franchise. This isn’t just more of the same with shinier graphics. Nope, Nintendo went big: a huge open-world setup, 24-player races, wall-grinding madness, and a whole new roster of characters. It’s the first all-new Mario Kart in over a decade, and it’s officially speeding into the Switch 2 spotlight.

If you’re asking Is Mario Kart World a Switch 2 exclusive? The answer is yes—and that’s a major part of the game’s identity. The boosted graphics, smooth-as-butter frame rate, and connected world are all flexing what the new console can do. But underneath the tech, the real question is: is it still fun?

Whether you’re a seasoned kart champ or a first-time racer, Mario Kart World is full of highs, lows, and absolute chaos. So buckle up—we’re breaking down the tracks, the characters, and everything that makes this ride worth the hype.

Welcome to the Switch 2 Era: Is Mario Kart World a Switch 2 Exclusive?

If you’re wondering Is Mario Kart World a Switch 2 exclusive?—yup, it is. And it makes perfect sense why. This game was built from the ground up to flex the next-gen Nintendo hardware. From 4K-ready visuals to buttery-smooth 60fps gameplay, Mario Kart World runs like a dream whether you’re docked or on the go.

But the jump to Switch 2 isn’t just cosmetic. The extra horsepower powers an open-world setup that’s new to the franchise, and it’s honestly wild. Load screens? Gone. Massive interconnected tracks? Everywhere. And yeah, the water physics and lighting effects? Chef’s kiss. The game leans hard on new tech, and it wouldn’t be the same on older hardware.

Still, while Mario Kart World brings heat to Switch 2, not everyone’s loving the open-world twist. More power doesn’t always mean more fun—but it sure looks good doing it.

Highways, Rail Grinds, and That Sweet Chaos Energy

Let’s be real: the open-world vibe in Mario Kart World is a bold flex—but it’s also kind of a mixed bag. The game swaps traditional lap-based racing for long drives between courses. Some of that is thrilling… and some of it feels like you’re just vibin’ in traffic.

Yeah, the added trick mechanics like rail grinding, wall riding, and charge jumps are sick. Watching online ghosts pull off insane stunts will definitely make you wanna up your game. But during the highway segments? It’s mostly just holding A and hoping not to get slammed by a banana peel.

Luckily, things pop off once you hit a proper track. The boost pads, traffic chaos, and hidden shortcuts crank up the adrenaline. But the highway sections? They’re not as fun solo. It’s like eating chips between bites of a spicy taco—still good, but not the star of the meal.

The Heart of the Hype: Mario Kart World Tracks & Characters

The biggest win in Mario Kart World? The tracks and characters, no doubt. From the golden sky temples of Great ? Block Ruins to the pure speed madness of the new Bowser’s Castle, the 30-track lineup is fire. They even nailed the vibe of the iconic Rainbow Road—it’s easily the best version yet.

And the mario kart world characters roster? It’s both wacky and wonderful. You’ve got classics like Peach and Luigi, but also curveballs like Cow (yes, a literal cow) and Mario Sunshine’s Cataquack. The bad news? Unlocking them is a total lottery. Most characters are tied to random in-race transformations, so if you want your faves, you’ll need to pray to the Kamek gods.

The same chaos applies to costumes. The outfits are 🔥, but there’s no clear way to unlock them. You eat random food and hope it triggers the right skin. It’s hilarious—but also kinda frustrating if you’re a completionist.

Multiplayer Madness & Free Roam Feels

Mario Kart World slaps hardest when you’re racing with friends. Couch co-op brings the same iconic chaos the series is known for. Knockout Tour, the new battle royale-style mode, is especially sweaty—narrow escapes, last-second hits, and that heart-pounding final lap are all here for it.

But online? It’s a bit shaky. There’s no easy way to squad up with your friends in public matches, and that’s a major L. You’re stuck in private lobbies with bots unless Nintendo drops a patch soon. Why make such a sick mode and then lock it down?

Then there’s Free Roam. It’s chill, it’s fun, and if you’re just looking to cruise or mess around, it delivers. But don’t expect deep content. Missions get repetitive fast, and tracking your progress is… well, basically nonexistent.

Still, the bones of the game are strong. With enough updates, Mario Kart World might actually pass 8 Deluxe. Just give us more modes, better unlocks, and a reason to roam.