Mario Kart Universe (Nintendo Switch 2)

Most folks who’ve snagged the Nintendo Switch 2 have been zipping around in Mario Kart World. If you jumped in right away, you’ve probably been tearing up those new tracks for weeks. Engines still roaring, or have you pulled over for a bit? Let’s dig into what’s really under the hood.

This game had some big shoes to fill; it’s the first new Mario Kart in, like, forever! With 24 racers zooming around, you’d think it’d be chaos, but the tracks are wide enough. There’s room to breathe and detours aplenty, so no need to worry about getting stuck behind some pesky turtle shell bombardment.

You can race solo, go head-to-head, or dive online. The online part is something else—I mean, I actually won a couple of times with my buddies at PN! Things ran smooth, and with voice chat sprinkled in, it was a blast. You tweak the view to your heart’s content, too. But honestly, you might want to start solo until you find your wheels.

Seeing the old modes again like Grand Prix and Time Trials feels cozy. No 200cc, which I guess is okay since 150cc keeps your heart racing. But oh, Knockout Tour is the star of the show! Each checkpoint boots out the lowest four racers. It’s just go-go-go, no breathers or cracking knuckles needed—blink, and you might miss it. Super intense!

So, Battle Mode. What’s up with that? Feels like it’s crawling along at snail speed. At least there’s Balloon Battle and Coin Runners to mess with, but people might grumble about track designs. It’s a bit like that first take with Mario Kart 8 for Wii U—lots of track, not so much action. As a fan since the Mario Kart 64 days, I’m hoping for more love here.

Did you spot the tiny map icon? It’s at the bottom of the main screen and lets you explore the regions. Totally missed it at first—I mean, this is supposedly the big new deal! Maybe they’re betting on Knockout Tour grabbing more attention.

Free Roam mode might’ve been the talk before launch, and luckily, it’s a chill ride. You drive about, snag coins, dress up, snap some photos, and watch the day turn into night. Makes me want to hop out and explore on foot, oddly enough.

Don’t think roaming is pointless, though. Those pesky P Switches give it purpose—some of them are a real test! They’ll have you jumping around and trying out new tricks like rail riding. They change color when finished, but still, feels like it needs polishing up.

What’s needed next for updates? Maybe a solid way to track missions would be nice. You get all these costumes, but good grief, the amount of Mario get-ups to sort through! And those stickers feel slapped on—what are we doing with them anyway?

Bigger updates might spice things up, like longer P Switch runs on classic track recreations. Add those throughout and bolster the track list. The soundtrack is killer, by the way, filled with Mario remixes. Imagine a radio or some playlist tweak while cruising. Yes, please!

Now, about the tracks themselves. Something’s got me torn. They’re fun, and connecting them really makes it feel like a “World,” but individually…not so memorable? Mostly with older tracks—I mean, only one lap feels nostalgic sometimes.

Old tracks are a blast, though they do take away some newness. The roster is smaller compared to MK8 DX, and half of it is déjà vu. Like, I love Choco Mountain, but enough already. Some tracks are making a comeback for the first time in ages, like Toad’s Factory, which is cool. Still, fresh content would be fab. DK Spaceport stands out—it’s like a wink to the arcade days. Although unlocking DK isn’t a freebie—you’ve got to win that first cup!

Mario Kart World is a wild ride for long-time fans, brimming with quirky fun; racing as a cow, who’d have thought? Newbies might see it as a generational gem. Curious to watch it evolve.

After weeks of racing, my post-honeymoon verdict? It’s a delight. Visually stunning, super smooth—an absolute treat on Switch 2. Worth the extra bucks, for sure! Yet, at $79.99, it lacks the beefier tracks and features from its predecessors. Betting free DLC will beef it up and fine-tune what’s there. Still, Mario Kart World? Can’t miss this one—it crosses the finish line with flair!