Mario Kart World broke tradition for the franchise in many ways, but some of its smaller changes may go unnoticed at first glance. With Mario Kart World changing a lot of the series' status quo, it's likely going to remain one of the most unique Mario Kart entries for the foreseeable future. In many cases, the new developments are displayed front and center for players to see. However, there are a few subtle, yet still notable differences from past titles present in the game. However, Mario Kart World's subtler moves are hard to ignore once they've been pointed out.
While Mario Kart World's Grand Prix has seen some of the game's biggest changes, there's a lot about the game that has been reworked. In addition to creating the Knockout Tour and Free Roam modes, the game's open world has led to some impressive changes, mostly in the form of the intermission tracks that link courses to each other. The addition of grinding and wallriding has opened up many more options for players as well, giving a lot of tracks many more routes for players to take. The usual Mario Kart mechanics are still prevalent, but Mario Kart World makes the package even wilder.
How Mario Kart World Turns a Classic Feature into a Cardinal Sin
Mario Kart World quietly punishes a once-essential skill, turning smart play into a self-sabotaging move with every race won.
Mario Kart World Made a Few Small Changes To the Status Quo Alongside the Larger Ones
Donkey Kong is Not Available by Default in Mario Kart World
Surprisingly, considering Donkey Kong Bananza's push, Donkey Kong is not on the starting roster for the first time in a console Mario Kart. Ever since his debut in Mario Kart 64, DK has always been available to the player from the beginning. Even in Super Mario Kart, players didn't have to unlock Donkey Kong Jr. In Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong has to be unlocked by first completing the Mushroom Cup in Grand Prix. It's a simple task, and most players will likely unlock him shortly after starting the game. However, it's still unusual to see a series mainstay like DK as an unlockable.
Donkey Kong had to be unlocked in Mario Kart Tour, but so did everyone aside from either Toad or Toadette.
Two Mario Kart World Tracks Are Shared Between Cups
When looking at the track list for Mario Kart World, one will find only 30 track names across the seven Grand Prix cups. That's because, for the first time on a console Mario Kart, there are two tracks that are shared between two cups. Crown City appears in the Mushroom and Shell Cups, while Peach Stadium is in the Shell and Special Cups. To be fair, the tracks take different routes depending on the cup, so players may not even realize at first that they've raced them before. Even so, it's still a break from the norm as the track names remain unchanged.
Bowser's Castle in Mario Kart World Has Its Schedule Changed
One of the game's more understated changes involves Mario Kart World's Special Cup. Ever since Mario Kart: Super Circuit, a Bowser's Castle track has always been in the Special Cup, being the final track before Rainbow Road. Considering Bowser's role as the final boss of most Mario games, it's a fitting tradition. In Mario Kart World, Bowser's Castle is instead the finale for the Lightning Cup, with Rainbow Road retaining its traditional role as the final track in the Special Cup. Thankfully, Mario Kart World has its own iteration of both tracks, but the shifting of Bowser's Castle's placement is curious.
Mario Kart World took a lot of risks with its design. Even without crossover characters in Mario Kart World, it still manages to be the most unique game in the series. When playing the game, players are bound to see all of the differences in how the Grand Prix is designed and all of the challenges that Free Roam has to offer. However, the game also features plenty of distinctions that flew under the radar. Mario Kart World really broke tradition for the series in more ways than it seems.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- June 5, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
Hit the open road with Mario and friends! Zip around courses in a vast world where everything is connected. Race along grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, big ol' volcanos, and more—plus everything in between.
A sprawling world of courses. Speed across plains, cities, water, volcanos, and much more. Everything is connected!
Go beyond the course. There's more to racing than just the course. Hop off the course and race the distance to the next one!
Free Roam - Drive wherever your heart takes you. Where to? That's up to you! Take off in any direction in this new mode. Explore areas that pique your interest, and maybe even snap some in-game pics at scenic spots.
Play Together - Have a blast with friends, whether near or far. Up to 4 players can race on the same system. Play using your choice of button controls or motion controls. Attach a Joy-Con 2 controller to the optional Joy-Con 2 wheel accessory to wheely feel like you're driving. You can also play using Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers connected wirelessly.
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Prequel(s)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Franchise
- Mario Kart
- Number of Players
- 1-24
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
