Dive into the fascinating journey of Mario Kart World, initially crafted for the Nintendo Switch before being adapted for the Switch 2. Discover how the game evolved and the innovative changes implemented during its development shift.
Mario Kart World Developer Insights
Prototyping Began in 2017
Mario Kart World, the latest addition to the beloved racing-kart series, is set to launch with the Nintendo Switch 2. However, its roots trace back to 2017, during the development of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
In an insightful segment of Nintendo's "Ask the Developer" series on May 21, the Mario Kart World team shared their creative process. Producer Kosuke Yabuki revealed that after crafting a prototype in March 2017, full development commenced by year's end. Building on the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Yabuki and his team aimed to expand the franchise beyond traditional boundaries.
Yabuki also clarified why the new installment is not titled Mario Kart 9. He emphasized their ambition to elevate the series, leading to the decision to forgo numerical sequels for a fresh title. "We added 'MARIO KART WORLD' to our concept art from the early development stages," he explained.
Shifting to Switch 2
Programming Director Kenta Sato discussed the pivotal decision to transition to the Switch 2 in 2020. Although the team had early insights into the next-gen console's capabilities, they relied on speculative data until they received actual development units. "We had to proceed based on provisional estimates," Sato noted.
Their goal was to ensure the game's expansive vision aligned with the new hardware's performance. Sato acknowledged, "The original Switch's performance was adequate for various games, but to realize our vast world without compromising on 60 fps, we needed the Switch 2."
Once equipped with concrete data on the Switch 2, the team's confidence soared. "I was overjoyed to find out we could achieve even more than we initially planned," Sato shared.
This upgrade necessitated enhanced asset quality. Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa explained that the graphics required greater detail. The art team embraced the challenge, feeling relieved and excited about the possibilities. The switch to the Switch 2 allowed for richer environments, such as adding more trees and improving overall visual quality.
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 appeared only as a non-playable element, often part of the scenery or an obstacle.
Ishikawa revealed the playful origin of this feature: "A designer sketched Cow racing, and I thought, 'This is perfect!' (Laughs) It showed us how much untapped potential the course surroundings had." This addition felt seamless and sparked ideas about incorporating more NPC characters into future races, enhancing the game's interconnected world.
The developers focused on creating a diverse world, using various foods to add flavor to the game's environments. They also adapted karts for different terrains and continuously modified tracks to enrich the gameplay experience.
With the excitement building around Mario Kart World, fans eagerly anticipate seeing Mario and friends race through this expansive new world. Nintendo's commitment to launching the game alongside the Switch 2 underscores its importance to the console's lineup.
Mario Kart World is scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage on our site!
