Mario Kart World, the latest addition to the iconic racing-kart driving series, was initially developed for the original Nintendo Switch. Dive into the fascinating journey of how this game evolved and the significant shifts made during its transition to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mario Kart World Developer Insights
Prototyping Began in 2017
Set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World's development began back in 2017, running concurrently with the team's work on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. In the May 21 edition of Nintendo's Ask the Developer series, the creative minds behind Mario Kart World offered a glimpse into its origins. Producer Kosuke Yabuki shared that the project kicked off with a prototype in March 2017, and by the year's end, the team was fully committed. Yabuki emphasized their goal to transcend the established formula, aiming for a more expansive experience. This ambition led to the decision to forgo the traditional numbering system, opting for the fresh title "Mario Kart World" from the outset, as he noted, "So, we'd already added ‘MARIO KART WORLD’ to the concept art from the early stages of development."
Shifting to Switch 2
Programming Director Kenta Sato disclosed that the idea to shift development to the Nintendo Switch 2 surfaced in 2020. Initially, the team had to rely on speculative data about the new console's capabilities until they gained access to actual development units. Sato explained the challenges they faced with the original Switch's performance, stating, "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."
With the Switch 2's superior hardware, the team's concerns dissipated, allowing them to realize their expansive vision. Sato expressed his excitement, saying, "I remember being overjoyed when I discovered we could express even more than we'd originally set out to." Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa added that the transition to Switch 2 enabled them to enhance the game's graphics significantly. The art team embraced this opportunity, enriching the game's visuals with more detailed environments and assets.
Cow Being a Playable Character
A delightful surprise for fans was the introduction of Cow as a playable character, a first for the series. Previously, Cow had been a mere background element or occasional obstacle. Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa recounted the moment of inspiration, saying, "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 seamlessly integrated into the game's world, sparking ideas about incorporating more NPCs as playable characters in future iterations.
The developers' dedication to crafting an interconnected world extends beyond character additions. They've focused on enhancing the game's diversity through various foods and meticulously adjusting karts to navigate different terrains, alongside dynamic track changes.
As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see Mario and his friends race through this expansive new world. Nintendo's commitment to launching Mario Kart World alongside the Switch 2 underscores its significance as a flagship title for the new console.
Mario Kart World is scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates and insights by checking out our related articles!
