Mario Kart World review: The road ahead

Published: Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:00 am

Mario Kart World: A New Era for Kart Racing

The latest installment in the iconic Mario Kart franchise, "Mario Kart World," is poised to redefine the kart racing experience. Following the success of "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," the developers faced the challenge of creating a sequel that could surpass its predecessor. "Mario Kart World" answers this challenge with innovative gameplay mechanics, a vast open world, and a thrilling new racing mode.

The game introduces a new moveset, drawing inspiration from Mario's platforming roots. Players can now jump, grind, barrel roll, and wall ride, opening up new pathways and shortcuts within the tracks. This has already led to speedrunners setting new world records by exploiting these mechanics.

A significant shift in gameplay is the introduction of hovercraft water racing, replacing the underwater races of previous titles. While this offers a change of pace, some find the implementation less engaging than the faster-paced segments. The game also features improved turning, power sliding, and cornering, providing players with enhanced control on the larger tracks.

"Mario Kart World" expands the roster by elevating several non-playable characters from the Mario universe to playable racers. However, the character selection screen has been criticized for its cluttered design, particularly the display of different outfits as individual racers.

The new "Knockout Tour" mode offers a fresh take on online multiplayer, combining 24 players in a battle royale-style race with eliminations. This mode amplifies the series' signature "rubberbandy" gameplay, creating a chaotic and entertaining experience.

Nintendo is actively supporting "Mario Kart World" by engaging with the community and even promoting it as an esport. The game's meta continues to evolve, with speedrunners and creators pushing the boundaries of gameplay. The "Free Roam" mode provides a relaxed environment for exploration and enjoyment, although some players wish for more interactive features with friends. The game's soundtrack is also a highlight, enhancing the overall experience across all modes.

BNN's Perspective:

"Mario Kart World" appears to be a strong entry in the series, building on the foundation of its predecessor while introducing new elements to keep the gameplay fresh. The new mechanics and modes offer exciting possibilities for both casual and competitive players. While some design choices, such as the character selection screen, could be improved, the overall experience seems promising. The game's continued support and evolution as an esport are encouraging signs for its long-term success.

Keywords: Mario Kart World, kart racing, Nintendo, gameplay, Knockout Tour, open world, multiplayer, speedrunning, characters, soundtrack, Switch 2, esport

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