Experience a Whirlwind Ride with Mario Kart World: An Exquisite Debut Game for Nintendo Switch 2
A Frenetic, Unpredictable Blast with Mario Kart World on the Switch 2
You know that old saying about practice making perfect? Well, I've got a boatload of practice when it comes to Mario Kart. Countless hours, spanning over various console generations - from SNES to Switch 2. And despite my extensive experience, I'm still far from that elite-tier player who cruises to the finish line with a gold trophy every time. But here's the thing - I keep coming back, getting red-shelled again and again. Because, my friends, Mario Kart is pure, unruly fun.
Nintendo gave Gizmodo a glimpse of this chaotic, grind-fueled world for almost eight hours straight. And let me tell you, it was just the tip of the iceberg for what Mario Kart World offers. The main attraction is familiar enough for newcomers to jump in and chuck items at opponents, yet it's teeming with exciting novelty features for those who've played every single Mario Kart game.
But let me be clear: this ain't a full-blown review. We'll have that once we've sunk enough hours into the game and its various modes, including the GameChat functionality. This is more like an extended, unfiltered first impression.
So, you played every single Mario Kart game like me? You might wonder, again? Surely, Nintendo's run out of ideas for the series, right? Wrong! Mario Kart World beautifully encapsulates the soul of the racer and underlines why it defies the test of time without growing stale. At the heart of it, the gameplay remains unchanged - you pick a Nintendo character, select a kart or bike, and race against opponents on different courses.
The thrill of Mario Kart lies in its unpredictability and pandemonium. A single item, like a blue shell that can rip through courses to take out the front-runner or a Super Star that makes you temporarily invincible, can flip the tables. It's this balancing act between skilled driving, drifting, and strategic item usage that keeps things accessible. Mario Kart World is no exception, bringing the same mix of highs, lows, and every emotion in between.
Nintendo has cranked up the intensity in Mario Kart World. Boosting the number of racers from 12 to 24 adds a new level of frenetic madness to races. The redesigned Nintendo characters and their myriad outfits and vehicles to unlock? Truly a sight to behold. The '80s-inspired apparel and vehicles, particularly that boombox-like bike, really catch my eye. But the real standout is Cow, the Moo Moo Meadows track's mascot, now playable for all to enjoy. I wager it'll swiftly become an internet phenomenon, milking the hype, so to speak.
In free-roam mode, the world map feels lively, with plenty of NPC racers and items to collect. The various modes such as Grand Prix, VS Races, Battle Mode, Time Trials, and the new Knockout Tour mode make a return. Knockout Tour is by far my favorite, with its elimination-style race that boots slow racers at checkpoints and leaves you gasping for air - or shouting profanities at your TV, even if you're usually mild-mannered. Rail grinding on various obstacles is also a new addition. It's not as easy as grinding in a Tony Hawk Pro Skater game, but pull it off at the right time, and it could be the edge you need to edge out an opponent or dodge an incoming item.
We've tried several GameChat modes, including using the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera to show our faces during a four-player local co-op race. The camera, with its 1080p resolution, leaves much to be desired. During the co-op play of Mario Kart World, I hoped the camera would track our faces throughout the entire race. But it often struggled to keep them in frame. It's nice to flaunt your victories and smirk at your opponents without having to look directly at them, but it's hard to call it game-changing. Similarly, the clarity of voice chat is questionable. In Nintendo's controlled demo, I found it slightly difficult to hear players "on the other side" clearly. Perhaps it works better at home or when you're wearing connected headphones.
The price of Mario Kart World may stir debate - $80 for the digital and physical card versions and $50 in the Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle if you find it on sale, effectively bringing down the console cost to only $499.99. Critics may voice concerns, but, with so much content, I believe the price is justified. I already know I'll be investing hundreds of hours into Mario Kart World, even before Nintendo announces any DLC. If there's one game that should find its way into every Switch 2, it's definitely Mario Kart World - it's the beating heart of a Nintendo game.
Want the Nintendo Switch 2? Check it out at Walmart.
Ready to dive into the chaotic world of Mario Kart? Pick up the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart.
- The future of tech-driven entertainment is promising, as demonstrated by Gizmodo's glimpse into the thrilling world of Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing the blend of familiar gameplay with novelty features that make it a standout title in the technology-infused realm of gadgets and tech.
- For tech enthusiasts who've played every single Mario Kart game and feel perhaps the well of ideas has run dry, Nintendo astonishingly disproves this notion by seamlessly encapsulating the essence of the franchise in Mario Kart World, thus ensuring the series' enduring popularity in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
- As technology advances, the price of some games may raise eyebrows, such as the $80 pricing for Mario Kart World, but with an abundance of captivating content engineered to keep gamers engaged for hundreds of hours, it is argued that the cost is justified, making it a worthy addition to any Nintendo Switch 2 collection.
