As anticipation builds towards the release of the Switch 2 on June 5, fans are buzzing about the game that’s set to become its perfect launch companion: Mario Kart World. While many may think of Mario Kart 8 and its Deluxe iteration, which have dominated our consoles for years, it’s time to shift gears and look ahead!

Mario Kart World promises to be a game-changer in the beloved franchise's history. Nintendo has poured their innovation and passion into this title, making it feel as though they’ve injected a powerful boost of nitrous into every aspect of the game. My sneak peek at the demo revealed a massive roster of characters that includes not just fan favorites like Peach and Yoshi but also charming baby versions, along with unique additions such as Toadette, Pauline, and Nabbit. The variety extends beyond characters to an array of vehicles, ranging from traditional karts to jet skis and scooters, providing players with numerous choices to personalize their racing experience.

One of the standout features is the expansive, interconnected world. Unlike previous installments where tracks were more segmented, Mario Kart World allows players to roam seamlessly between courses. This design brings an unprecedented level of immersion, enhanced by delightful details like dynamic weather changes and day/night cycles. With a dizzying array of tracks organized into multiple Grand Prix circuits, there’s never a lack of excitement.

The highlight of my gaming session was undoubtedly the exhilarating Knockout Tour mode, resembling a thrilling fusion of Mario Kart with the intensity of F-Zero 99. Packed with 24 racers on a single race, this mode is an adrenaline rush, where the last four players are eliminated every few laps. My heart raced as I dodged incoming shells and utilized every mushroom boost and shortcut to secure my victory. Even as an experienced player—albeit one with a few more years under my belt—I managed to clinch first place. After my victory, the thrill left me craving more!

Visually, Mario Kart World is a treat for the eyes, boasting an impressive 120 fps mode that sets a new standard for racing on Nintendo consoles. The graphics are stunning, showcasing the Switch 2’s capabilities and making this title a true first-party showcase.

However, it's worth noting that amidst this exhilarating action, I may have missed some features, including the outfit customization teased in the trailers. With so many tricks to discover—like grinding on rails and jumping off vertical walls—there's a wealth of gameplay to explore.

Now, it's a bummer that Nintendo has priced many of the Switch 2 games higher than usual, with Mario Kart World pegged at $80 for digital and $90 for the physical version. Nevertheless, savvy gamers can avoid this hefty price tag by opting for the Switch 2 bundle that includes Mario Kart World, effectively dropping the cost to about $50. This makes it an irresistible offer for anyone planning to dive into the world of gaming on the Switch 2 at launch.

In conclusion, Mario Kart World is setting the stage for an exhilarating new era in gaming. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the action on June 5! Are you ready to leave your opponents in the dust?