Mario Kart World's Open World Isn't What You Think It Is

I may have only clocked three hours behind the wheel, but I’m starting to suspect Mario Kart World would’ve been better titled Mario Kart Knockout Tour. The new last-one-standing race mode is undeniably the highlight, injecting fresh tension and chaos into an already frantic kart racer—a feature so standout it deserves top billing. Yet, Nintendo has chosen the Switch 2 launch title’s open world as its main attraction. While I understand the optics—fans have long craved a Mario Kart unshackled from fixed tracks—the recent free-roam demo left me somewhat underwhelmed. Here is why.

When envisioning an open-world racer, comparisons to Forza Horizon are inevitable. Developer Playground Games has perfected this niche, earning IGN’s Game of the Year award for its latest entry. Each installment offers a meticulously crafted world brimming with challenge, awe, and, most crucially, fun. I’d be dishonest if I claimed to find much of that in my half-hour sprint around Mario Kart World’s expansive map. It feels largely empty, lacks atmospheric depth, and seems oddly devoid of engaging activities.

A significant portion of my free-roam time was spent speeding across flat grasslands, deserts, or choppy seas, hunting for something to do. While there are challenges available, they felt repetitive and little more than trivial diversions. Most involve P Switch trials that spawn short time limits. Initially amusing, these quickly became routine exercises in collecting coins or hitting checkpoints within seconds. Since most conclude in under 15 seconds, their novelty fades fast. Walking away from a demo feeling like you’ve maxed out the side content is rarely a good sign. Although I hope deeper exploration reveals more secrets, another element raises concerns about its overall execution.

Completing P Switch challenges rewards you with a shiny new sticker for your kart, but that’s essentially it regarding unlocks. It feels odd that progression remains tied to traditional Grand Prix racing when this open world offers the perfect canvas for hiding secret characters and karts. New outfits can be unlocked by visiting Yoshi’s restaurants scattered across the island, yet these are just as accessible—or even more so—through standard races.

The sense of discovery you typically experience when venturing off the beaten path simply isn’t present here.“

Barn finds—exploratory missions in Forza Horizon where you hunt for hidden vehicles like buried treasure—are among my favorite activities in Playground’s series. If the final game lacks similar mechanics (and previews suggest it does), it feels like a missed opportunity, especially given how packed 3D Mario platformers are with secrets. The magic of uncovering hidden gems seems absent; instead, the best I found was a large green warp pipe that merely propelled me twenty meters forward. Why don’t these lead to unique challenges or secret areas?

This apparent lack of meaningful progression or substantial activities makes me wonder how much time I’ll actually spend exploring. Yes, there are Peach Medallions to collect, offering fun tests of the new rail-grinding and wall-riding skills, but they only unlock stickers. This isn’t inherently bad (Nintendo often prioritizes pure fun), yet I wish these tokens could be spent on something more substantial, like cosmetics in Super Mario Odyssey’s shops.

### Nintendo Series Tier List

Nintendo Series Tier List

Perhaps I’m just a cynical man approaching middle age. Despite these critiques, kids young and old will undoubtedly enjoy roaming this colorful paradise, zooming through sandy beaches and winding city streets. Plus, the inner seven-year-old in me lit up when I crashed into a massive truck, took control Cappy-style, and caused chaos by smashing every vehicle and coin-filled brick nearby. It was a rare moment of Nintendo creativity that felt surprisingly scarce elsewhere. While there is a dynamic weather system, day/night cycle, and adaptive soundtrack tied to biomes, these polished touches didn’t significantly enhance the core fun factor.

The open world plays a crucial role in Mario Kart World beyond free roam, which cannot be overlooked. The way it seamlessly connects tracks allows for varied course combinations. Moreover, the thrilling new Knockout Tour relies heavily on this design. Its cross-country route through diverse environments is impressive; without it, the mode would likely feel repetitive compared to looping standard tracks. This world has its merits, but they lie in racing connectivity rather than exploration.

Viewed as a toy box rather than an open-world epic like Forza Horizon or Burnout Paradise, Free Roam offers some enjoyment. However, don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression—perhaps hard to swallow given the $80 price tag. The racing remains Mario Kart’s crown jewel, and the new Knockout Mode revitalizes its excitement. It deserves center stage, not buried within an underwhelming open world.