Dive into the fascinating journey of Mario Kart World, a game that was initially crafted for the Nintendo Switch but has evolved to launch with the Nintendo Switch 2. Explore how the developers navigated this transition and the creative changes they implemented.

Mario Kart World Developer Insights

Prototyping Began in 2017

Mario Kart World marks the latest addition to the iconic racing-kart driving series and is set to debut with the Nintendo Switch 2. The game's roots trace back to 2017, during the development of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

In a recent installment of Nintendo’s Ask the Developer series on May 21, the Mario Kart World team shared the story behind the game. Producer Kosuke Yabuki revealed that the project began with a prototype in March 2017, with full development commencing by year's end. He emphasized the team's desire to expand upon the successful formula of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, aiming to create a more expansive experience.

Yabuki also clarified the decision to name the game Mario Kart World instead of Mario Kart 9. He explained that the goal was to transcend mere course additions and elevate the series to new heights. "So, we'd already added ‘MARIO KART WORLD’ to the concept art from the early stages of development," he noted.

Shifting to Switch 2

Programming Director Kenta Sato shared that the shift to the Nintendo Switch 2 was considered in 2020. Although they had an idea of the next-gen console's capabilities, it wasn't until they received development units that they could fully plan. "Until then, we just had to proceed with development based on provisional estimates," Sato said.

The team's goal was to ensure their vision aligned with the Switch 2's performance. Sato noted, "Of course, the Switch system's performance is sufficient for developing different kinds of games, but if we had included everything we wanted to in this game's vast world, then it wouldn't have run at 60 fps and would have suffered from constant framerate drops."

Once equipped with the Switch 2's specs, the developers' concerns dissipated. "I remember being overjoyed when I discovered we could express even more than we'd originally set out to," Sato exclaimed.

The transition to Switch 2 also necessitated enhanced asset quality. Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa mentioned that the graphics required more detail. The art team embraced this challenge, feeling relieved that they could now do much more. The shift provided opportunities to enrich the game's visuals, such as adding more trees and enhancing the terrain's richness, which were previously limited by the original Switch's performance.

Cow Being a Playable Character

Fans were thrilled to see Cow as a playable character in the game's trailer, a first for the series. Previously, Cow appeared only as a non-playable character, often part of the background or an obstacle.

Ishikawa shared that introducing new characters is a staple for each Mario Kart game. He recounted, "And then one of the designers came up with that silly sketch of Cow cruising along, and I thought to myself, ‘This is it!’ (Laughs) So that's when we realized the course surroundings actually contained a lot of untapped resources." The inclusion of Cow felt natural and opened possibilities for more NPC characters, enhancing the game's interconnected world.

Beyond Cow, the developers focused on various elements to achieve an interconnected world. They emphasized diverse food to enrich the game's environment, adjusted karts for different terrains, and continuously modified tracks to keep the gameplay dynamic.

With the excitement building around Mario Kart World, fans eagerly anticipate the return of the beloved plumber in this expansive new racing world. Nintendo is set to launch this flagship title with the Nintendo Switch 2, reinforcing its commitment to delivering top-tier gaming experiences.

Mario Kart World is scheduled to release on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates and insights by checking out our related articles!