Mario Kart Universe (Nintendo Switch 2)

Okay, so imagine this: you’ve got this new Nintendo Switch 2 thingamajig and you’re all hyped over Mario Kart World. Seriously, people have been zipping around this open map like it’s the coolest thing since sliced bread. But now we’re, uh, kinda past the honeymoon phase. Engines cooling off or still revved up? Time to lift the hood and see what’s really going on.

First off, we gotta talk about this being the newest Mario Kart in, like, forever. They’ve crammed in 24 bikes and karts, lots of new drivers too—it’s chaos and I love it. There’s tons of space, loads of routes, so you’re not just stuck getting hit by shells from some player way back. And those shells, man, they can be brutal.

You can race alone, with pals, or online. Multiplayer’s gonna keep this thing alive, I reckon. Oh, and playing online? Wild! Beat a few folks from PN one night—felt like a rock star. It’s pretty seamless, honestly, and the chat’s free for now, which is neat. Customizing the game view to your taste? Oh yeah, sign me up.

Speaking of old favorites, Grand Prix, Time Trials are here to stay. Miss the 200cc though, but trust me, 150cc is no walk in the park. Knockout Tour though? Total game-changer. It’s like, nonstop racing madness and bam! Four racers gone at each checkpoint. Keeps you on your toes, trust me. Just keep your eyes open, literally. Smart Steering is on by default, which is… weird.

Now, what’s up with Battle mode? Only Balloon Battle and Coin Runners? Come on. Feels like they hit the snooze on this one. Maybe there’s more to come? Track designs remind me of Mario Kart 8’s early days, you know? I mean, I was all in back with MK64, so fingers crossed for more fun stuff.

Oh, almost forgot—there’s this tiny map icon stuck at the bottom of the screen. Found it late, and wow, free-roaming is sorta the big deal here. No clue why it’s not more obvious. Nintendo might be more into the Knockout Tour side of things, huh?

Exploring’s surprisingly chill. Coins, costumes, photo ops—I don’t know why, but watching day turn to night while roaming? Seriously zen. Makes me wanna jump out of the kart and hoof it. But those P Switches? They’re a whole different ball game. Super fun, but not relaxing at all.

Wonder what updates they’ll throw in next. Tracking missions? Yes, please. There’s a lot of costumes, and honestly, a friendlier interface wouldn’t hurt. Enough with the costume clutter—what about something to do with those stickers? They feel tacked on, just saying.

Imagine longer P Switch missions with classic tracks! Just spitballing, but that’d be a killer way to boost the track count. And the music—man, it’s a blast from the past, in the best way. Customize a playlist? Yes, yes, yes.

As for the tracks, hmm… they’re fun, don’t get me wrong, but kinda less memorable as a whole. Especially the older ones, which are just like “hey, remember this?” Toad’s Factory is back though—good throwback. My fave? DK Spaceport, hands down. Real nod to the arcade days. And DK’s not freebie, he’s gotta be unlocked. Good luck!

Anyway, longtime fans are gonna have a field day—racing as a cow? Who’d have thunk it? Newbies, this could be your jam, a hallmark of gaming times. Excited to watch it evolve.

So yeah, been driving around for ages now, and my take? Mario Kart World rocks. Looks and sounds ace on Switch 2, definitely worth the bundle jump. But, at $79.99 standalone? Oof. Bit lacking against its older siblings. Fingers crossed for free DLC to beef things up. But hey, don’t miss out—wraps up with a bang!