Nintendo Takes On Open-World Racing with "Mario Kart World" for the Switch 2

For the past ten years, the “Forza Horizon” series has dominated the open-world racing scene, becoming the favorite for those who love to roam picturesque landscapes while skidding endlessly without restraint. Noticing Turn 10 and Playground Games’ triumph in this area, Nintendo appears to have stepped up with the latest “Mario Kart” installment on the new Switch 2, embracing similar features.

The game titled “Mario Kart World” seamlessly combines classic tracks with new ones from the series into a single expansive open world. Players will even race between these tracks, transforming traditional races into prolonged endurance events sprawling across an entire map. With room for up to 24 players per race—twice that of its predecessor—“Mario Kart World” takes the “Forza” template even further, notably by allowing players to inhabit a cow riding a motorcycle mimicking a Motocompo tape deck, humorously dubbed the Moo-tocompo.

Judging by the trailer, “World” offers players a diverse selection of karts to navigate through its open world. From standard karts to off-road buggies, and even a truck reminiscent of a ’90s F-150 outfitted with rally lights, the variety is vast. Each kart also comes paired with unique outfits—special mention to the fashion-forward decision of placing Peach on a Honda XL 600LM-inspired dual-sport bike donning Daisy Dukes and a cropped pink jacket. A bold style choice, and my dream motorcycling attire if spills weren’t a risk.

Set to release on June 5, the Switch 2 will retail for $449.99, with “Mario Kart World” set to cost $79.99. A bundle offering both will be available for $499.99, a significant jump from the $299.99 “Mario Kart 8” bundle on the outgoing Switch. This new pricing stands higher than a $299 Xbox Series S paired with a $59.99 “Forza Horizon 5,” and slightly less than a $449.99 PlayStation 5 bundled with the $69.99 “Gran Turismo 7”—including the acclaimed “Astro Bot,” my pick for 2024 Game of the Year.

While Nintendo’s newest venture into the kart-racing domain shows innovation, it’s uncertain if they may have priced themselves out of the competition. With rivals providing a plethora of racing options for similar or lower costs, the success of Nintendo’s new pricing strategy remains to be seen. For those hesitant about preordering, one should consider that, with impending tariffs, prices aren’t likely to decrease anytime soon.