Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Yes. Nintendo says Mario Kart World began as an original Nintendo Switch project: the team started prototyping in March 2017 and formally began the project at the end of that year. Around 2020, it raised moving development to Nintendo Switch 2, citing concerns about running the planned connected world and features at the series’ 60-frames-per-second target on the original system.
When did Mario Kart World development start?
Producer Kosuke Yabuki says the team was already discussing the next Mario Kart during development of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Prototyping began in March 2017, followed by the project’s formal start at the end of that year, according to Nintendo’s May 21, 2025 developer interview.
Why did the team begin with the original Switch?
The initial platform fit the project’s starting point: Nintendo was developing the next game while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was in progress on Switch. But the team was not simply planning another collection of separate racecourses. Yabuki says the developers felt Mario Kart 8 Deluxe had taken the established course-based formula as far as they wanted to, and they began exploring a large world connecting the courses.
That shift in concept also explains the name. Yabuki says the team dropped a number because this was intended as a change in the game’s approach, not just another numbered entry with additional courses. “MARIO KART WORLD” appeared on concept art in the early development stages.
#1 Best Overall
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
Why did development move to Switch 2?
Programming director Kenta Sato says Yabuki raised moving development to Switch 2 around 2020. Nintendo’s account does not give a precise date for when the transition was completed. Sato says the team was concerned that the original Switch could not run everything planned for the vast world while maintaining the series’ 60-fps target, and that the game would suffer constant frame-rate drops.
This is the developers’ explanation of the decision, not an independent hardware test or a published performance comparison between the two consoles. Sato says the move to Switch 2 ultimately let the team express more than it had originally set out to do. The interview also notes that the team initially relied on provisional estimates of the next system’s specifications; working development units arrived later.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
What platform did Mario Kart World ultimately release on?
Nintendo announced Mario Kart World as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, scheduled to launch with the console on June 5, 2025. Its April 2, 2025 release announcement confirms the final platform and date. The development story is therefore a move from an original Switch target to a Switch 2 exclusive—not a canceled Switch version with a publicly disclosed transfer date.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A variety of playable characters are available, some with unique attributes that affect gameplay and platforming physics.
- Younger and less-experienced players will love playing as Toadette, who is brand new to both games, and Nabbit, who was formerly only playable in New Super Luigi U. Both characters offer extra assistance during play.
- Multiplayer sessions are even more fun, frantic, and exciting thanks to entertaining character interactions. Need a boost? Try jumping off a teammate’s head or getting a teammate to throw you.
- Features a wealth of help features, like a Hints gallery, reference videos, and a Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U that can complete levels for you if they’re giving you trouble.
- Three additional modes—Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle—mix up gameplay and add replayability, while also upping the difficulty for players who want to try something harder. Players can use their Mii characters in these modes.
Rank #4
![Mario Kart World Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zaiyfzDeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
Rank #3
- [SEAMLESS OPEN WORLD] Experience an interconnected racing environment with zero loading screens between courses. Navigate a massive world featuring 24-hour dynamic day/night cycles and shifting weather patterns that directly impact vehicle traction and handling across mountains and cities.
- [ADVANCED RACING MECHANICS] Master all-new maneuvers including high-speed rail riding, wall jumping, and tactical water skimming. These next-gen traversal abilities allow players to discover hidden shortcuts and alternate routes within a 100% seamless world-map architecture.
- [24-PLAYER ELIMINATION MODE] Compete in the high-stakes Knockout Tour, an adrenaline-packed 24-driver elimination mode where racers are removed checkpoint by checkpoint. Supports up to 24-player online multiplayer with integrated GameChat for real-time social coordination.
- [NEXT-GEN TECHNICAL SPECS] Optimized exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system to deliver stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution in docked mode and a locked 60FPS frame rate. Features enhanced texture mapping and global illumination for the most immersive visual experience in series history.
- [OPEN-WORLD EXPLORATION] Step away from the Grand Prix in the all-new Free Roam mode to wander the world at your own pace. Discover hidden surprises, unlockable vehicle parts, and brand-new drivers across diverse biomes including dense forests and sprawling urban landscapes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
