We knew a new Mario Kart was coming — it’s been nearly a decade since the last full entry, after all. But what we didn’t expect was this much change in one go.

Mario Kart World, dropping June 5th as a launch title for the Switch 2, isn’t just a new coat of paint. It’s a complete rethinking of what a Mario Kart game can be — open-world exploration, off-roading, massive multiplayer, and a frame rate smoother than ever before.

And honestly? It looks kind of incredible.

Big Roster, Bigger World

Let’s start with the basics: Mario Kart World is still a kart racer, at heart. You’ll pick from over 40 characters (with alt costumes, finally!), hop into your go-kart, and hit the track. But the world around those tracks? That’s where things get wild.

Instead of jumping straight from race to race, you’ll actually drive to each one. Think of it like a connected map, where exploration and races happen in the same space. You can free-roam between events, discover shortcuts, or just cruise around in the karting equivalent of vibe mode.

Not into downtime? Don’t worry — there’ll be an option to skip the in-between bits if you just want the classic Grand Prix feel. But for the rest of us, it sounds like a surprisingly chill way to experience the Mushroom Kingdom on wheels.

New Modes and Movement Tricks

Here’s where the game really cranks up the chaos:

• Off-roading sections let you tear across dirt, snow, and sand in ways that actually matter — this isn’t just visual flair, it affects handling and strategy.
• Boat segments are back (shoutout to Mario Kart 7), adding splashy detours through rivers and lakes.
• Rail grinding and wall jumping bring a hint of platforming to the mix — yes, you can grind rails like a cartoon Tony Hawk and bounce off walls like you’re in Galaxy.

And then there’s Knockout Tour, a brand-new mode where 24 players race across one massive course, with the lowest-ranked racers being eliminated at checkpoints. Think of it like a karting battle royale, but cuter and with more Koopa shells.

It’s Not Just Bigger — It’s Smoother Too

On top of all the new content, performance is getting a serious upgrade. According to early reports from Engadget and confirmed by Digital Foundry, Mario Kart World includes a 120FPS mode — a first for any Nintendo game.

That kind of fluidity isn’t just a flex — it matters in a high-speed, twitchy racer. And for a series that’s always prioritized fun over fidelity, it’s a big deal to see Nintendo finally pushing visual performance forward.

Standard gameplay still runs at a steady 60FPS (including local split-screen), but if you’ve got the right display setup, the 120FPS mode could be a game-changer — especially in competitive or online play.

Development, Art Style, and First Impressions

This one’s been in the works for a while. Rumors of a sequel to Mario Kart 8 started swirling as far back as 2021, and Nintendo finally confirmed the project earlier this year during the January 16th Switch 2 reveal.

From what we’ve seen in the trailer, the art style leans closer to Super Mario Bros. Wonder and The Super Mario Bros. Movie — bright, colorful, and just a little more expressive than previous entries. It feels modern without losing that timeless Mario charm.

More details are on the way during a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct on April 17th — and we’re expecting to see deeper dives into gameplay systems, characters, and how that massive open world is structured.

Trevor Score: 9.5/10 — Ambitious, Playful, and Packed with Ideas

This isn’t a formal review — it’s just how I felt after soaking in all the early info. A gut-check from someone who’s played every Mario Kart since the GBA and still gets hyped for Rainbow Road.

Mario Kart World feels like Nintendo swinging for the fences. It’s not just more Mario Kart — it’s a reinvention that still understands what makes the series fun. There’s a risk here (open-world pacing isn’t easy), but it looks like the good kind of risk.

The only reason I’m not giving it a 10 is simple: we haven’t played it yet. But based on what’s been shown? It’s the most excited I’ve been for the series in years.

A New Direction That Actually Feels Fresh

When Nintendo revealed the title on April 2nd, a lot of fans wondered if this would just be Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: But Prettier. Thankfully, it’s not. Mario Kart World is big, weird, and willing to mess with the formula — and that’s exactly what the series needed.

And look — I’ve been pretty skeptical about the Switch 2 overall. I’ve had my doubts about the hardware leap, the price hikes, the direction. But this game? This is a big reason I’m picking one up on day one. Mario Kart World just looks like a blast.

Let’s just hope the Blue Shell is still unfair in all the right ways.