Mario Kart World, the newest installment of the Mario Kart series, came out on June 5th, 2025. It came with many new features, like the new open world “Free Roam” mode, where players could drive between courses on a giant map. It also introduced a knockout mode, where 24 players drove in a multi-staged race between multiple different courses, and the last few people to arrive at each track were eliminated. For actual gameplay features, there was the charge-jump, allowing players to take previously impossible shortcuts, along with wall rides, which opened up possibilities for many complicated tricks. These features, though, came with an $80 price tag, along with the purchase of a Nintendo Switch 2 for $450. The removal of 200cc, a beloved gamemode with faster speeds compared to normal, also failed to appear. This led to a divide between the players. Many were upset with the high price tag and removal of core aspects of the game, and others were just excited for the first fully new Mario Kart game since Mario Kart 8 in 2014. The implementation of the “route” system, where drivers drove over highways to reach the next course as part of the race, also divided the community, where some thought the new highways were boring, and would rather just race on the new and exciting courses, and others thought it could be fun, as there would be more variety between each course. The main argument against them was that they were the main game mode for online racing, and there was no toggle to just race on the regular courses. This upset the competitive side of the community, as the routes were not easily practicable as they were not available in time trials, so it made them harder to learn. Also, they were just less fun and more empty compared to the new tracks. Something everyone liked was the course selection of retro courses brought back from older games. They chose a lot of fan-favorite tracks, and further improved on them. The nitro tracks introduced were hits as well. Courses like Great ? Block Ruins and Whistle Stop Summit are some of the new fan favorites. Essentially, there were a lot of good things, along with some bad things about this game. 

Different perspectives help with forming an opinion too. Greg Goodrich, a 53 year old, said that he liked the game and thought it was fun. Greg does not play video games very often, but he “specializes” in Mario Kart games. Camden, a 16 year old who has much more experience in playing video games, said that it was kind of easy and not as fun as other games. Camden plays video games nearly every day, so he has more experience when it comes to more complicated techniques. Camden has played the game for about 45 hours, whereas Greg has only played for about 10 hours. Greg liked the new Knockout tour, because it offered variety from the normal courses, which pandered to a more casual player because the knockout tours are easier than the regular courses. Camden, though, liked charge jumps because they allow for different paths to be taken on the courses, which is more beneficial to a player like himself. There were good things added that benefit both casual players and more competitive players. However, there are also things that they both dislike. Camden mostly disliked the lack of 200cc, because it removes a fun gamemode. This makes sense, as 200cc is more difficult but also more fun than the other speed classes. Conversely, Greg was mostly concerned about the vehicles, because his favorite, the mach bike, was replaced with the worse mach rocket. This issue does not matter as much, but it is still a fair concern. Although they disliked this aspect of the game, they both seemed positive about it overall. Camden said that the game was serviceable fun and a nice addition to the series. Greg conceded that it was fun enough, but he would rather play Mario Kart Wii. All in all, they both seemed to agree that Mario Kart World was not perfect, but it was adequately fun and enjoyable. 

Mario Kart World is a good addition to the Mario Kart series. It introduced new and exciting features, and it expanded upon previously overlooked aspects of the Mario Kart franchise. For being one of the few games initially released with the Nintendo Switch 2, it for the most part held its own. It has sold more than any other Mario Kart game at this point post release, selling 9.57 million copies in just four months. Nintendo has added other missing features since its release, like the ability to customize items and better collectible viewing for Free Roam mode. Despite the initial controversies, Mario Kart World still ended up being a great game. All in all, though, it is fun. Both casual and competitive players can agree that it is an enjoyable game and worth playing. It is not the best Mario Kart game (that goes to Wii, absolutely no contest), but it is a step in the right direction. With a few tweaks, like making three lap courses available online and adding Funky Kong, it could have been better, but with its great course selection and exciting new modes, it is still great. In conclusion, Mario Kart World is good. It tried many new things, some good and some not so much, but it still delivered a worthwhile experience.