Our Mario Kart World review delves into the Nintendo Switch 2 launch title, finding a racer that nearly lives up to its runaway hype train.

Mario Kart World is the latest game in the Mario Kart series. It launched alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. The game offers up to 50 playable characters, with many unlockable costumes. Players can freely roam across the lands this time, as well as play in Knockout Tour. Up to 24 players can now race, double the previous number.

Mario Kart World lives up to its series’ legacy as a fantastic local multiplayer game. Playing Grand Prix and VS Race with three friends on the couch is as fun as Mario Kart multiplayer has always been,

The Nintendo Switch 2's launch is set to be immense fun thanks to all the racing delights Mario Kart World allows for. Just don't expect as revolutionary a jump as the sequel's subtitle suggests.

Mario Kart World is indisputably the best first-party launch game for the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, and its new major departures for the franchise – like Knockout Tour and Free Roam – are delightful, but it remains to be seen if the kart racer can keep up the pace for the long haul.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ’s beloved LAN Mode feature is available in Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2, bringing 16-24 player mayhem to one household. Polygon can confirm that players must hold L+R (NOT ZL+ ZR) and then click the left joystick, to transform the wireless play option into LAN Mode.

If you've managed to nab yourself a Switch 2 and are busy with Mario Kart World, know that Smart Steering controls are on by default.

Mario Kart World's launch night was a wonderful experience, no matter the wins or losses. The joy this game brings is transportive.

Using local split screen, you can play any of the single-player game modes with your friends, except Free Roam. This means you can take part in any Grand Prix cup, play Knockout Tour mode, race in regular VS Races, and knock heads in Battles.