"Mario Kart World Debuted on Switch 1"

Discover the fascinating journey of Mario Kart World, initially crafted for the Nintendo Switch but ultimately tailored for the Switch 2. Dive into the development process and the adjustments made to bring this racing masterpiece to life on the new console.

Mario Kart World Developer Insights

Prototyping Began in 2017

Mario Kart World, the latest addition to the iconic racing-kart series, is set to launch with the Nintendo Switch 2. The roots of this project trace back to 2017, during the development phase of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

In the recent edition of Nintendo's Ask the Developer series on May 21, the creative minds behind Mario Kart World shared their journey. Producer Kosuke Yabuki revealed that the prototype was crafted in March 2017, with full-scale development commencing by year's end. Yabuki highlighted their aim to build upon the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe by creating a more expansive and immersive experience.

Moreover, Yabuki clarified why the new installment isn't titled Mario Kart 9. He stated, "Our vision extended beyond merely expanding the course lineup; we wanted to elevate the entire series to new heights. Thus, we chose the name Mario Kart World from the earliest stages of development."

Shifting to Switch 2

Kenta Sato, the Programming Director, noted that the transition to the Switch 2 was considered in 2020. At that time, the team had a preliminary understanding of the next-gen console's potential but lacked actual development units. Sato mentioned, "We had to proceed based on our best guesses until we could work with real hardware."

The developers were keen on ensuring their ambitious vision could be realized within the capabilities of the new console. Sato explained, "While the original Switch's performance was adequate for various game types, integrating all our desired features into Mario Kart World's expansive environment would have compromised its 60 fps target and led to framerate issues."

Once they gained access to the Switch 2's specs, their concerns dissipated, allowing them to fully realize their creative goals. Sato joyfully recalled, "Discovering we could surpass our initial expectations was truly exhilarating."

However, this shift to the Switch 2 necessitated higher quality assets. Masaaki Ishikawa, the Art Director, noted that the graphics needed to be more intricate. Yet, this challenge was met with enthusiasm, as it allowed the art team to enhance the game's visual richness, adding more detailed elements like trees to the terrain, 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 as part of the scenery or an obstacle.

Ishikawa shared that introducing a new character is a tradition with each Mario Kart release. He recounted, "A designer's whimsical sketch of Cow racing sparked our interest. It felt right, and it opened up new possibilities for integrating more NPC characters into our interconnected world."

The developers have meticulously crafted various elements to bring their vision of an interconnected world to life. From diverse food items to enhance the world's authenticity, to tailored karts for different terrains and evolving tracks, every detail has been considered.

As excitement builds, fans eagerly anticipate Mario Kart World's launch, where they'll explore a vast new racing realm alongside the beloved plumber. Nintendo is set to make a splash with the Switch 2, debuting one of its flagship franchises on the new console.

Mario Kart World is slated for release on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for the latest updates by checking out our related articles!