Overview

• Mario Kart World began prototyping in 2017 during the development of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with an open-world design and 24-player races envisioned from the outset.
• Development challenges on the original Switch hardware, including frame rate and resolution compromises, led to the decision in 2020 to shift the project to the more powerful Switch 2.
• The game's title, Mario Kart World, reflects its expansive open-world direction, moving away from traditional course-based gameplay and signaling a new era for the franchise.
• Nintendo extended development time by releasing the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, allowing the team to refine their vision for Mario Kart World.
• Set to launch with the Switch 2, Mario Kart World promises over 100 course variations, real-time weather, and a Free Roam mode for exploring its interconnected map.