Switch 2’s Mario Kart World Reaches Peak Thrills Before the Races Begin

How do you top the smash hit that was Mario Kart 8? Mario Kart World answers that very question with a fresh twist I’m sure fans will love. During Nintendo’s exclusive hands-on session for the Switch 2, I was captivated by this game’s innovative take on its tracks and left buzzing with excitement about what it means for the series going forward.

The classic arcade racer formula we all know and love? It’s about to get a shake-up when Mario Kart World launches alongside the Switch 2 on June 5. What stood out most in my preview experience was that racing took a back seat at times. I found myself simply enjoying the drive, soaking up the vibes rather than focusing solely on the competition.

At the event, I jumped into a thrilling game of Knock-out Tour, featuring 24 racers navigating varied and unpredictable terrain. But here’s the twist: being one of the first to snag a console spot meant a bit of waiting. Thankfully, I wasn’t stuck sitting around. I had the freedom to roam and explore the terrain at my leisure.

So, I took off down a snow-laden road, feeling the weight of my hefty kart’s tires carve into the thicker snow off the track. I launched off a ramp, flying higher and further than I ever thought possible in a Mario Kart game. I darted through bustling highways filled with regular cars mixed with oversized Nintendo-themed vehicles, some leaving trails of gold coins in their wake. I even spun around quickly, going against the flow of traffic just to admire a quirky mushroom diner sign I’d missed on my last pass.

Let me tell you, Mario Kart World is dripping in Nintendo nostalgia, perfect for eagle-eyed fans keen to spot every Easter egg and character cameo. (Imagine my glee when I was overtaken by the iconic penguin from Mario 64!) The beauty of the Knock-out Tour is the freedom to leisurely explore these details without feeling the pressure to sacrifice race performance just to soak in the surroundings.

This experience immediately drew comparisons to Forza Horizon 5, evoking a similar free-spirited cruising experience. While Mario Kart clings to its arcade roots — it’s not about to offer meticulous driving mechanics — the sheer joy of the drive is undeniable. Each bend in the road invites you to discover what’s next as terrains and track styles blend effortlessly.

Without the usual stress of dodging items and staying in the lead, there’s a refreshing sense of relief. However, Mario Kart’s unpredictability means you can never completely dismiss bad luck affecting your positioning, especially in the lengthy Knock-out Tour. I was eliminated earlier than I’d like — partly due to picking a kart based on style rather than strategy. (Here’s looking at you, bulky Bowser!)

This taste of what’s to come gears me up for the Free Roam mode teased in Nintendo Direct, suggesting even more diverse driving options. The demo only took us through select tracks, but the promise of cruising between courses in cups is enough to make any fan giddy.

And then there’s the matter of the new, delightfully odd power-ups — I haven’t even scratched the surface yet — and the impressive array of characters ready to jump behind the wheel. I can’t wait to roam freely and absorb it all at my own pace.