Mario Kart World: Initially Planned for Switch 1

The producer of Mario Kart World has shared that the game was initially developed for the Nintendo Switch, but plans changed to target the Nintendo Switch 2. Dive into the development journey and discover how the shift influenced the game's creation.

Mario Kart World Developer Insights

Prototyping Began in 2017

Mario Kart World marks the latest installment in the iconic racing-kart series and is set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. The game's development kicked off in 2017, running parallel to the work on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

In a recent edition of Nintendo's "Ask the Developer" series released on May 21, the Mario Kart World team provided a glimpse into the game's origins. Producer Kosuke Yabuki mentioned that the prototype was crafted in March 2017, with full-scale development commencing by year's end. He emphasized their desire to expand beyond the successful formula of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, aiming for something more expansive.

Yabuki also clarified why the game isn't titled "Mario Kart 9" as many fans anticipated. He explained that their vision was to elevate the series beyond merely adding new courses. From the outset, they envisioned "MARIO KART WORLD" as a fresh concept, as evidenced by early development art.

Shifting to Switch 2

Programming Director Kenta Sato revealed that the transition to the Nintendo Switch 2 was considered as early as 2020. Although they had an idea of the next-gen console's capabilities, they didn't receive actual development units until later. Sato noted, "Until then, we just had to proceed with development based on provisional estimates."

The team's goal was to ensure their vision aligned with the new console's performance. Sato pointed out, "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 a solid understanding of the Switch 2's capabilities, their concerns dissipated, and they felt confident in realizing their creative vision. Sato recalled, "I remember being overjoyed when I discovered we could express even more than we'd originally set out to."

However, the upgrade to Switch 2 necessitated higher-quality assets. Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa stated that the graphics needed to be more detailed. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, the art team was relieved, as the new console allowed them to enhance the game's visuals significantly. This included adding more detailed elements like trees and enriching the overall art.

Cow Being a Playable Character

A thrilling surprise for fans was the announcement that Cow would be a playable character for the first time. Previously, Cow had been a non-playable character, often part of the background or an obstacle.

Ishikawa shared that introducing new characters is a tradition for each Mario Kart game. 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." The inclusion of Cow felt natural and opened the door to incorporating more NPCs as playable characters, enhancing the game's interconnected world.

Beyond Cow's inclusion, the developers focused on various aspects to create a cohesive and diverse world. They emphasized different types of food to add variety, adjusted karts for different terrains, and continuously refined the tracks.

With all these exciting updates, fans are eager to see Mario and friends race in this expansive new world. Nintendo is set to launch one of its most cherished franchises on the Nintendo Switch 2 from 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 on the game by checking out our article below!