Mario Kart World: A Massive Undertaking for the Switch 2
There’s no denying that Mario Kart World is the star of the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch. As the only new title in the initial lineup (yes, the Welcome Tour doesn’t count), it has big shoes to fill. It’s the successor to one of the best-selling games ever, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which has sold nearly 70 million copies on the original Switch. 
Whether Mario Kart World can replicate this success over time is yet to be seen, but early feedback is already promising.
In Wccftech’s review, the game earned a solid 8.5 out of 10, with Nathan Birch describing it as “a bold and ambitious new entry in the world’s most popular racing franchise.” The game brings updated mechanics, stunning new tracks, and an open-world design that impresses with its variety and scale. While it doesn’t quite surpass the iconic Mario Kart 8 in every way, and some of the older modes don’t blend perfectly with the new sandbox style, it’s clear that Mario Kart World is a strong way to kick off the Switch 2 era.
What stands out is the massive development effort behind this new title. According to a Japanese analyst, Papen (via Automaton), around 300 developers were involved in creating Mario Kart World, a significant jump from the 163 developers who worked on MK8 Deluxe. This reflects a broader industry trend toward larger, more expensive teams working on larger games. The most notable increase was in the art department, which tripled in size. Nintendo also collaborated with several external teams, including Monolith Soft, Bandai Namco, Imagica Geeq, and 1-Up Studio. This may help explain why Mario Kart World carries a hefty $80 price tag. While it’s clear that the game offers a lot of value, its price may deter some players.
If you picked up Mario Kart World along with your Nintendo Switch 2, share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Does the game live up to the hype, or should you have waited for a price drop?
1 comment
the art is amazing but the price is a bit steep tho 😬