In a must-read interview, the producer of Mario Kart World revealed why the game is going open world. This major shift comes just before its release on the Nintendo Switch 2.
THEME
- Notably, the first game in the series to feature an entirely open world rather than separate racetracks is Mario Kart World.
- After Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, producer Kosuke Yabuki disclosed that the team wanted to reimagine the formula.
- The game’s title, which drops the number to denote a daring new step beyond sequels, reflects its ambition.
Mark your calendars—Mario Kart World launches on June 5 as the flagship game for the Nintendo Switch 2. Moreover, what better way to showcase the new hardware than by taking the beloved series in a bold new direction?
The recent Ask the Developer interview revealed the reason behind this major shift in the series. Fans are excited, and rumors are flying. Simply adding new songs or characters wasn’t enough—Nintendo wanted to create an entirely new experience.
Nintendo’s approach to transforming the game through Mario Kart World
Producer Kosuke Yabuki revealed in a recent interview that Mario Kart World marks the biggest shift in the series: it’s fully open world. That’s right—no more switching between isolated tracks.
In the latest installment, the team has merged all the tracks into one vast, connected world. Yabuki explained that after creating Mario Kart Deluxe, they felt they had mastered the traditional formula.
Instead of simply adding more songs and characters, they asked themselves, “What’s next? How do we evolve?” As a result, they decided to break the mold entirely.
Players can race through a dynamic world with a day-night cycle and real-time weather changes. The game smoothly transitions between famous locations like Mario Circuit and Bowser’s Castle. You can explore at your own pace—or with a friend—using Free-roam mode.
This time, we didn’t do that. It was our goal to elevate the series. Thus, this time we chose to omit the numbering.
Players can join knockout tour races that span the entire map. This major change led the team to drop the name “Mario Kart 9.” It’s not just a sequel—it’s a bold leap into a new era for the franchise.
Fans are getting excited, but the price tag has raised some eyebrows.
Mario Kart World is generating huge excitement—and for good reason. Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, this bold new entry aims to revolutionize handheld gaming and take the series to new heights.
Let’s face it—this is Mario Kart. Although some players may grumble about the $79.99 price tag (even for the digital version), chaos, fun, and nostalgia are still almost guaranteed when playing with friends. Furthermore, the shared excitement and memories only serve to enhance the experience even more. Additionally, these moments create lasting bonds that keep fans coming back.
Players are eager to see how the game leverages the Switch 2’s upgraded tech. From what we’ve seen, Mario Kart World pushes the console’s limits, delivering enhanced graphics, smoother frame rates, and improved online features through deep integration.
It’s reshaping how we think about kart racing—whether cruising over water or drifting through rain-soaked streets. Plus, the thrill of exploring a vast Mushroom Kingdom in stunning next-gen detail may well outweigh the price. Fans definitely won’t want to miss this.