Mario Kart World is fun but baffling choices mean it won't replace Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Worth a few go-arounds at least – so why won't you let me enjoy another lap!?

Mario Kart World review; colourful game characters pose under a banner
(Image: © Nintendo)

Our Verdict

Tracks new and old look gorgeous, items boast high visual impact, and I'm not yet bored of scooping up costumes, but the top level gameplay changes are not easy to ignore. Perhaps my biggest gripes will be addressed in a patch down the track, but for now I'm not sure World is yet ready to replace my party game mainstay or its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

For

  • Sweet new presentation looks good enough to eat
  • Free roam mode is a fun, lightweight addition

Against

  • Traditional multi-lap races are no longer the priority
  • I want races, not just road trips

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Publisher Nintendo
Developer Nintendo, with additional support from Monolith Soft, 1-Up Studio, and Bandai Namco Studios
Platform Nintendo Switch 2
Release 5 June

What would a Nintendo console launch be without everyone's favourite plumber? Mario Kart World takes the moustachioed hero back behind the wheel with a twist as this Nintendo Switch 2 launch title dares to question, 'what if venturing off the track didn't always demand Lakitu pilfer your coins and fish you out of trouble? What if sometimes you could just keep on trucking?'

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

The Verdict
8

out of 10

Mario Kart World

Tracks new and old look gorgeous, items boast high visual impact, and I'm not yet bored of scooping up costumes, but the top level gameplay changes are not easy to ignore. Perhaps my biggest gripes will be addressed in a patch down the track, but for now I'm not sure World is yet ready to replace my party game mainstay or its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Jess Kinghorn
Freelance writer

Jess is hardware writer for PC Gamer. She is the former games editor of PLAY Magazine as well as previous writer for Official PlayStation Magazine, and is known for championing the weird, the wonderful and the downright janky.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.