At first glance, one might reasonably think that Nintendo has been resting on its achievements with the iconic Mario Kart franchise. If you overlook the Japanese-exclusive arcade titles, the mobile spinoffs, and the innovative mixed-reality venture known as Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, there has been only one significant new mainline installment in the last decade. Remarkably, this latest entry is merely an enhanced version of a previous Wii U title, which might lead some to believe that the franchise has stagnated.

However, with the introduction of Mario Kart World, Nintendo has reinvigorated the series in an exciting way. It would not be surprising if this game becomes the sole Mario Kart title to debut on the anticipated Switch 2. If that indeed happens, we certainly wouldn’t mind, as the updates and innovations are impressive enough to stand alone.

One of the most significant transformations in the long-standing Mario Kart tradition is encapsulated in its very name. For the first time in the history of the series, races no longer occur on isolated tracks; instead, each drivable course is integrated into a cohesive, interconnected world. The Grand Prix tournaments now traverse only a portion of the expansive in-game map, and there is a peculiar thrill in observing how each uniquely themed stage is interlinked, enhancing the overall racing experience.

Additionally, players can explore this vast open world, either solo or with friends online, beyond the confines of traditional races. There are numerous enticing side activities, including the pursuit of hidden collectibles like Peach Medallions and Yoshis, as well as engaging P-Switch challenges that often require players to either race to a challenging destination or gather coins within a specified time frame. While the open world can occasionally feel a bit sparse, it still offers an enjoyable experience for players eager to explore its depths.

Undoubtedly, the core essence of Mario Kart World—the racing itself—remains as tight and exhilarating as ever. However, it is essential to note that some hardcore fans of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may find certain adjustments less than favorable. Notably, the era of kart customization has ended; while each kart retains distinct stats, players can no longer mix and match different frames, wheels, and glider types. Furthermore, the mechanics of drifting and driving have shifted towards a more physics-based approach, resulting in a slightly heavier and less precise feel compared to earlier iterations. Inside drifting, a feature beloved by many, has been eliminated, leading to a more uniform control experience across all bike types.

While this may seem like a regression, the skill ceiling has remarkably increased due to several subtle changes. For example, having items like bananas and turtle shells automatically trail behind players allows for greater focus on driving. For the more skilled racers, the introduction of charge jumping enables players to clear small obstacles, and when combined with techniques such as rail grinding and wall riding, it opens the door to incredibly advanced gameplay. Remarkably, within just a week of its launch, players have already begun crafting innovative strategies to improve their race times.