Initially, Mario Kart World was planned as a Nintendo Switch title, but the hardware limitations forced a change in direction. The development team envisioned an open-world racing experience, a significant evolution from the traditional track-based gameplay of previous entries. However, they soon realised the ageing Switch couldn’t deliver their ambitious vision without major compromises.
According to producer Kosuke Yabuki, the idea for a more expansive Mario Kart game began during the development of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The team wanted to move beyond isolated race tracks and create a seamless, interconnected world. Prototyping started in early 2017, with full development kicking off later that year. However, technical constraints quickly became apparent.
Technical Challenges Forced A Tough Decision
Programming director Kenta Sato explained that the Switch struggled to handle the game’s demands, particularly with 24-player races and a large open world. The team considered reducing visual quality, lowering resolution, or even cutting the frame rate to 30 FPS—a move Nintendo strongly opposed. Maintaining 60 FPS was crucial for the sense of speed and responsiveness that defines Mario Kart.
Rather than sacrificing performance, the developers chose to delay the project. The release of the Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bought them extra time, allowing them to shift development to the more powerful Switch 2. This decision opened up new possibilities, ensuring the game could fully realise its potential without compromise.
A New Era For Mario Kart
Mario Kart World is now set to launch alongside the Switch 2, offering an experience that wouldn’t have been possible on the original hardware. Fans won’t have to wait much longer—the game and console arrive on June 5. While securing a Switch 2 at launch may be challenging due to limited stock and a $450 price tag, the upgrade promises to deliver a smoother, more immersive racing adventure.