Overview

• Released June 5 on Switch 2, Mario Kart World introduces an open-world hub and expands races to 24 players while preserving core series gameplay.
• VGC reviewers found the open-world elements underdeveloped but lauded modes like Grand Prix and online play for delivering the franchise’s signature racing chaos.
• Yabuki confirmed characters from Zelda, Animal Crossing and Arms were excluded because they would feel incongruous in a Mario-centric world.
• The final roster relies on Mario characters, enemies and NPCs rather than external Nintendo icons.
• Players have embraced the new cast more warmly than expected, and the Cow stands out as both the community’s favorite and the producer’s top pick.