Mario Kart World: A Promising Start for Nintendo Switch 2, But Is It Enough?

World launches with the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a blend of classic racing and open-world exploration. Is this enough to justify the $80 price tag?">

The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived,and with it comes *Mario Kart world*,the latest installment in the beloved racing franchise. While the launch lineup may seem light on first-party titles, with *Mario kart World* carrying much of the initial weight alongside third-party ports like *Hitman Collection* and *Cyberpunk 2077*, the game aims to deliver a compelling experiance. However, with a price tag of $80, does *Mario Kart World* truly justify the investment for consumers?

A Decade-Long Wait for a New Entry

It has been a decade since a completely new *Mario Kart* title graced our consoles. The enduring success of *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* on the original Nintendo Switch made a new release a complex decision. Every Switch owner seemed to have a copy, and the gameplay was refined to near perfection, leaving developers searching for a meaningful way to elevate the series further.

Open World Ambitions: A mixed Bag

Mario Kart World introduces an open-world element, a meaningful departure for the series. While initial expectations might have conjured images of a vast *Forza Horizon*-style map, the reality is more nuanced. The open world manifests as a “Free Roam” feature, allowing players to explore the environment at their leisure. However, the world feels somewhat sparse. Hundreds of “P Switch” challenges offer brief, time-sensitive tasks, and cosmetics and stickers can be collected. Yet, the map lacks clear guidance, making it difficult to locate these elements. Cosmetics are found randomly in Yoshi snack boxes or earned through racing. While “Free Roam” provides a space to practice skills and car parkour, its potential as a fully realized open world remains untapped.

Did You Know? The original *Mario Kart* was released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo entertainment System (SNES), introducing the kart racing genre to a wide audience.

Racing Refined: The Core Experience Shines

Despite the open-world’s shortcomings, the core racing experience in *Mario Kart World* remains extraordinary. Grand Prix races seamlessly connect tracks, creating a more diverse and engaging gameplay loop. The new “Knockout Tour” mode pits 24 players against each other in a battle royale format, with racers eliminated at intervals until only one remains. This mode is enjoyable in both single-player and multiplayer, offering thrilling moments of chaos and skillful comebacks.The intuitive controls and polished animations ensure that *Mario Kart World* is easy to pick up but difficult to master, making it a rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.Online competitions are particularly exciting, offering nail-biting races against global opponents.

Verdict: A Solid Foundation with Room to Grow

Mario Kart World is a polished and thoughtful Nintendo game, though it feels somewhat incomplete. The open world doesn’t fully deliver on its promise, and the collectibles are scarce and difficult to acquire. However, the core racing mechanics remain as enjoyable as ever, both in cooperative and online play. The beautifully designed tracks and breathtaking graphics add to the overall experience. it feels as though Nintendo has laid a solid foundation and plans to expand upon it with DLC, adding new tracks, modes like 200cc, and more. The beginning is promising, and Nintendo’s track record suggests that more exciting content is on the horizon.

New Console, New Price?

The Nintendo switch 2 is expected to cost $469.99 at launch [2]. The original Nintendo Switch launched at $299.99 in 2017 . This price increase reflects the improved hardware and features of the new console.

What are your thoughts on the open-world element in *Mario Kart World*? Do you think it justifies the $80 price tag? Share your opinions in the comments below!