Mario Kart World review

Mario Kart World is the best reason to own a Switch 2 if you play with other people. Nintendo's store page says races support up to 24 drivers and that courses are joined by paths that span one world, with mountains, forests and cities, shifting weather and a day and night cycle. Grand Prix links four courses, Knockout Tour eliminates racers at five checkpoints, Battle offers Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, and a free mode lets you wander the map. The store lists 1 to 4 players on one system, 2 to 8 over local wireless and 2 to 24 online, plus GameChat voice chat and USB camera support. Nintendo has kept it fresh: a September 2026 free update added SNES courses and Knockout Tour routes. The catch is cost and hardware: it runs only on Switch 2, costs $79.99, and online play needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership. For groups, nothing else on the system comes close.

Who it is for

Switch 2 owners who want one game for family nights, friends on the couch and online racing.

Price

$79.99 one-time digital purchase on the US Nintendo eShop.

Mario Kart™ World Regular Price: $79.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Races with up to 24 drivers
• Interconnected courses with weather and a day and night cycle
• Grand Prix, Knockout Tour and Battle modes, plus free roaming
• GameChat voice chat and USB camera support
• Free updates, including SNES courses and new Knockout Tour routes added in September 2026

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Up to four players on one Switch 2 and up to 24 online
• Strength: Easy to pick up for younger or newer players
• Strength: Nintendo keeps adding free courses and routes
• Weakness: Only runs on Nintendo Switch 2
• Weakness: Highest price on this list at $79.99
• Weakness: Online play needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo
• Released: June 5, 2025
• Players: 1-4 local, 2-8 local wireless, 2-24 online
• eShop price: $79.99

Where it ranks

Mario Kart World is No. 3 in our Best Nintendo Switch Games verdict.