"Mario Kart World Debuted on Switch 1"

Discover the fascinating journey of Mario Kart World, initially designed for the Nintendo Switch before transitioning to the Switch 2. Dive into the development story and the pivotal changes made to adapt to the new console.

Mario Kart World Developer Insights

Prototyping Began in 2017

Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World represents the latest evolution in the iconic racing-kart series. Its development roots trace back to 2017, coinciding with the team's work on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

In a recent installment of Nintendo's Ask the Developer series released on May 21, the Mario Kart World team offered a peek behind the curtain. Producer Kosuke Yabuki disclosed that after crafting a prototype in March 2017, full development kicked off by year's end. Yabuki emphasized their aim to transcend the established formula perfected in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, aspiring to create something grander.

Additionally, he shed light on the decision to forego the expected Mario Kart 9 title. Yabuki explained that their vision extended beyond merely expanding the course lineup; they sought to elevate the series to new heights. Thus, the concept of Mario Kart World was incorporated into early development art, marking a fresh start for the franchise.

Shifting to Switch 2

Kenta Sato, the Programming Director, shared that the transition to the Switch 2 was considered as early as 2020. At the time, the team had a preliminary understanding of the next-generation console's capabilities, but they lacked actual development units until later. Sato noted, "Until then, we just had to proceed with development based on provisional estimates."

Their goal was to ensure the game's ambitious vision could be realized within the new console's performance limits. Sato elaborated, "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 they gained hands-on experience with the Switch 2, their concerns were alleviated, and they felt confident in achieving their creative objectives. Sato recalled, "I remember being overjoyed when I discovered we could express even more than we'd originally set out to."

The move to the Switch 2 also demanded an upgrade in asset quality. Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa mentioned that the graphics needed to be more detailed. Rather than feeling daunted, the art team embraced the opportunity to enhance the game's visuals, such as adding more trees to the terrain and enriching the overall art.

Cow Being a Playable Character

A highlight for fans was the reveal in the game's trailer that Cow would become a playable character for the first time. Previously, Cow appeared as a non-playable character, often as part of the scenery or an obstacle.

Ishikawa noted that each new Mario Kart title introduces a new racer. 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." He was pleasantly surprised by how naturally Cow fit into the game, sparking ideas about including more NPC characters in future titles to enhance the interconnected world.

Beyond the addition of Cow, the developers have meticulously crafted various elements of the game to realize their vision of a richly interconnected world. The inclusion of diverse foods adds depth to the game's environment, while adjustments to the karts and dynamic track changes cater to varied terrains.

As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await the return of the beloved plumber in the expansive new world of Mario Kart World. Nintendo is set to make a significant impact with the Switch 2, launching one of its flagship franchises on day one.

Mario Kart World is slated for release on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay updated with the latest news and developments by checking out our article below!