This week, my girlfriend told me I drive like a grandpa. Now, maybe she’s right. Maybe I’m overly cautious on the roads of Toronto, Ontario and its surrounding cities. I don’t think I’m that bad, and my girlfriend admits to having a lead foot, so I’m not sure how accurate her description of my driving skills is when I’m behind the wheel. I’ll tell you this, though.
I’m a speed demon playing Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Before I drive into my thoughts on the game, let me start by saying how much I’ve been enjoying the Nintendo Switch 2. I felt pretty lucky to have been able to get in on the presale, especially after trying out the system in April at the big Nintendo Switch 2 event that Anya, my fellow Biff Bam Popper, and I were invited to. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been playing a variety of games on the console, specifically Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and No Man’s Sky. Both games look great, whether on my handheld device or my 4K television.
Speaking of handhelds, it’s worth noting that from a tactile experience, the Nintendo Switch 2 is pretty close to superceding the Steam Deck OLED as my favourite device. A lot of this comes down to the weight of each, with the Switch 2 feeling incredibly light in my hands. This is great, especially when I’m veering along the many courses of Mario Kart World.
On that note, I can easily say that Mario Kart World is an excellent game for longtime fans of the franchise, even if it’s also overly familiar. If you’ve played previous iterations, you can walk right in without too much of a learning curve. The key to the title, as the first big Nintendo release for the Switch 2, is more. There are more tracks, more characters to choose from, and more online options.
It’s the online option that elevates Mario Kart World above the still-great Mario Kart 8. The Knockout Tour online game is absolutely fun and intense, as you play against 23 other online drivers in an elimination-style race. My competitive streak always gets ratcheted up when I’m in the Knockout Tour, and my annoyance level remains high as I’m always knocked out when I need to be in the top 12. I’m determined to get into the top 6 at some point, damnit.
What Mario Kart World probably does best of all is highlight what a great console the Nintendo Switch 2 is. The courses look beautiful and stand out on the screen, whether you’re in handheld mode or using your television. The game, like the console itself, is designed for fun and ease of play. It’s safe to say, whether you’re new to the Mario Kart franchise and the Switch itself, or you’re an old timer like myself, there’s lots to love about Mario Kart World.
Now, let me get back to burnin’ rubber! On the game, not the actual roads. That would be dangerous.