Mario Kart World, the latest addition to the iconic racing series, was initially developed for the Nintendo Switch. Learn how the game evolved and the adaptations made during the transition to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mario Kart World Developer Insights
Prototyping Began in 2017
Set to launch with the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World's development journey began in 2017, concurrently with the work on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. In the May 21 edition of Nintendo's Ask the Developer series, the creative minds behind the game shared their development story. Producer Kosuke Yabuki revealed that after crafting a prototype in March 2017, full development kicked off by year's end. He emphasized their aim to expand on the successful formula established with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, aspiring to create a grander experience.
Yabuki also clarified why the new installment isn't titled Mario Kart 9, explaining, "Our vision extended beyond merely adding new tracks; we wanted to elevate the entire series to new heights. Thus, we opted for a fresh name from the early stages of development: 'MARIO KART WORLD'."
Shifting to Switch 2
Programming Director Kenta Sato discussed the decision to transition to the Switch 2 in 2020. Initially, the team had a theoretical understanding of the next-generation console's capabilities but lacked actual hardware until later. "We had to base our early development on estimated performance," Sato explained.
The goal was to ensure their expansive vision could be realized without compromising on performance. Sato noted, "The Switch's capabilities are robust, but to include all we envisioned would have resulted in a game that couldn't maintain 60 fps and would suffer from frequent frame rate drops."
Once they gained access to the Switch 2's development kits, their concerns dissipated, allowing them to craft the game they had in mind. Sato expressed his excitement, saying, "It was exhilarating to realize we could go beyond our original plans."
The move to the Switch 2 necessitated an upgrade in asset quality. Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa mentioned the need for more detailed graphics, which the team embraced with enthusiasm. "We were relieved to have the opportunity to enhance the visual richness, like adding more trees and refining the terrain, elements we were previously limited on," Ishikawa shared.
Cow Being a Playable Character
A delightful surprise for fans was the announcement that Cow, previously a non-playable character, would be raceable in Mario Kart World. In earlier titles, Cow often served as background scenery or an obstacle.
Ishikawa explained the decision, saying, "We always introduce new characters, and when a designer sketched Cow racing, it clicked. We realized our environments were full of untapped potential." He was pleased with how seamlessly Cow fit into the roster, sparking ideas about integrating more non-playable characters into future games.
The developers' focus on creating an interconnected world extends beyond character inclusion. They've carefully considered aspects like diverse food types to enrich the world's diversity, along with kart adjustments for various terrains and dynamic track changes.
With the buzz surrounding Mario Kart World, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Mario in this expansive new racing adventure. Nintendo's commitment to launching the game alongside the Switch 2 underscores its significance in the console's lineup.
Mario Kart World is slated for release on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest news and insights on the game!
