Mario Kart World

An action racing game where you race 24 opponents across an open-world overworld and survive Knockout Tour eliminations.

Last reviewed: May 1, 2026

Released Jun 2025 Action / Racing

Mario Kart 8's perfect formula plus 24 racers, an open-world overworld, and Knockout Tour — the first MK that fundamentally rethinks what 'a Mario Kart game' is.

9.0 /10

Mighty

Previously an Editor's pick

For you if

Mario Kart 8 is your party-night standby and you're ready to upgrade — World adds players, modes, and a real overworld.
24-driver chaos sounds more fun to you than the cleaner 12-racer Mario Kart 8 / Tour shape.
You own a Switch 2 and want a flagship to show off the hardware leap.

Not for you if

$80 + Switch 2 hardware buy-in is too much for one game — wait for a bundle if so.
You preferred Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's tight 12-racer balance — World is structurally chaotic in ways that's a feature, not a bug.
You're not a Nintendo platform owner — this is single-platform and unlikely to ever leave it.

What critics say

8/10IGN
Excellent multiplayer racing, incredible polish, and the thrilling new Knockout Tour mode still more than live up to its legacy.
Logan Plant Read review →
4/5Eurogamer
Offers neat twists on the classic Mario Kart formula, but its open-world ambitions are somewhat let down by some classic Nintendo quirkiness.
Tom Orry Read review →
8.3/10Game Informer
A friendly and approachable launch title offering high skill ceiling for dedicated players who want to dig deep.
Matt Miller Read review →

Before You Play

Refreshed monthly

Is Mario Kart World worth getting if I already have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

There's no "last year's version" — Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 launch title built from scratch, not a yearly iteration. Compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch 1, still playable), World adds open-world Free Roam between courses, 24-player races (up from 12), boat racing, rail grinding, wall jumping, and a 50-character roster. The new Knockout Tour mode (battle-royale-style elimination across multiple tracks) is the headline competitive draw. If you already own MK8DX and skipped Switch 2, World alone is the strongest single-game reason to upgrade.

Source: Wikipedia

What are the best control and assist settings in Mario Kart World?

Mario Kart World isn't a sim — there's no realism setting. Competitive players turn OFF Smart Steering (which prevents falling off but limits cornering optimization) and Auto-Accelerate (manual gas pedal control gives finer speed manipulation). Auto-Use Item is fine to leave on. Tilt Controls work best with the Joy-Con 2 wheel attachment but most players prefer thumbstick + Pro Controller for precision. Newer players should leave Smart Steering ON for the first 5-10 hours until cornering feels natural.

Source: Nintendo Life Controls Guide

How much solo content does Mario Kart World offer?

Mario Kart World doesn't have a traditional career mode, but solo content is substantial: Grand Prix (50cc through 200cc, multiple cup tracks), Knockout Tour (single-player battle-royale elimination), Time Trials with global leaderboards, Free Roam mode for exploration with hidden collectibles, and P Switch missions scattered across the open map. There's no story or campaign — Mario Kart World is event-based, not narrative-driven. Plan 30-50 hours to clear all cups and main missions.

Source: Game8 Mario Kart World

Is Mario Kart World pay-to-win online?

No. Nintendo doesn't sell competitive advantages — there's no microtransaction store, no battle pass with weapon variants, no paid character or kart unlocks. All 50 characters and all karts are unlocked through normal play (mostly via Coin collection across races). Online Knockout Tour and ranked play matchmake on skill, not on cosmetics or paid items. The standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for online play but doesn't give any in-game advantages.

Source: Wikipedia

Is Mario Kart World better with a controller or the Joy-Con 2 wheel?

Pro Controller (or paired Joy-Con 2 with thumbstick) is the competitive choice — it gives precise cornering, faster item-aim, and accurate drifting. The Joy-Con 2 wheel attachment with motion/tilt controls is fun for casual play and family sessions but has a higher skill ceiling for hairpin turns and is generally considered slower at the top end. Time-trial leaderboards are dominated by Pro Controller users. If you're playing online ranked, stick with sticks; if you're playing with friends or kids, the wheel is more accessible.

Source: Nintendo Controls Support