Mario Kart Global (Nintendo Switch 2)

Alright, so here I was thinking about Mario Kart World on the Switch 2, and I started wondering—how many of us are still in that honeymoon phase with the game? I mean, the thrill’s real, right? But now that the initial excitement’s faded a bit, let’s just crack this thing open and peek inside.

This is the first fresh Mario Kart in like, forever. And if you’re talking racers, it’s kinda packed. Twenty-four vehicles, new faces, the whole works. And you won’t feel strangled on those tracks either. Loads of space, alternate paths, whatever. So yeah, fewer chances of getting creamed by some racer lagging way behind.

Playing by yourself? Cool. But multiplayer and online? That’s where the game’s got legs. I hopped online with some pals, and surprise, surprise—I didn’t entirely suck. It was smooth sailing, and the game chat was the cherry on top. But let’s be honest: most of us will start solo to get the hang of it. You know, find our wheels.

Got those classic modes—Grand Prix, Time Trials, VS Race. No 200cc, but 150cc? Yeah, it’s a bit tighter and more intense. Then there’s the Knockout Tour, which is like one crazy marathon where the slowpokes get booted every checkpoint. Everyone’s all in for this, and I kinda get it. Keeps you on edge. Just, uh, don’t forget to blink now and then. And turn off “Smart Steering” unless you’re into that sort of thing.

Oh, and Battle mode? Don’t hold your breath. Only Balloon Battle and Coin Runners are here, and honestly, it feels stuck in second gear. Feels like when Mario Kart 8 first showed up. I’m a sucker for Battle mode since way back in ’64, so I’m hoping for a bit more love.

Then there’s this tiny map checkbox thingy. You’d think Nintendo would make it pop out more. Maybe they’ve got more bets on the Knockout Tour? Who knows.

Free Roam’s a whole other beast, and thankfully not a snooze. Kinda chill, you get to drive about, grab some coins, snap some pics, and watch the world go from day to night. Sometimes I wish I could just hop out and wander on foot.

But wandering isn’t just for kicks. Those P Switches? They give the roaming a purpose. Some swear words might slip out while tackling these. Jumping, rail riding, they’re throwing everything at you. Colors change when you finish ’em, but still feels, I dunno, half-baked?

And speaking of P Switches, longer missions on old tracks would be fab. Right now, the track list isn’t exactly bursting. And the tunes? Pure gold. I want a freakin’ radio on those karts—or at least let me DJ my playlist. Nintendo, are you listening?

Tracks… here’s where I’m off-balance a bit. They’re fun, don’t get me wrong. Connected tracks feel like a big ‘World’, but individual tracks? A tad less memorable. And older tracks? While fun, they dull the “new game” shine. Too many repeats for my liking. Though, props for DK Spaceport—a proper shoutout to the original arcade vibe. DK’s hidden, by the way—gotta beat the first cup to get him.

For the die-hards, Mario Kart World’s got its charm, right down to racing as a cow—who knew? Newbies might find this to be the iconic game for their generation. I’m all jazzed about what’s down the road.

After several weeks on the tracks, here’s where I stand: Mario Kart World rocks. Looks, sounds, plays—check, check, check. A bit spendy if you’re not bundling, yeah? But fingers crossed for some juicy free DLC to pad it out. Mario Kart World? Absolutely worth revving up for.