"Mario Kart World: Initially Planned for Switch 1"

Mario Kart World, the latest entry in the iconic racing series, was initially developed for the original Nintendo Switch. In this article, we delve into the game's development journey and the adaptations made when the project transitioned to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Mario Kart World Developer Insights

Prototyping Began in 2017

Set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World's development kicked off in 2017, concurrent with the work on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. In a recent edition of Nintendo's "Ask the Developer" series on May 21, the game's creators shared their development story. Producer Kosuke Yabuki revealed that the prototype was crafted in March 2017, with full-scale development commencing by year's end. He emphasized that the team wanted to expand beyond the successful formula established with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, aiming for something grander.

Yabuki also clarified why the game isn't titled "Mario Kart 9," as many fans anticipated. He explained that the goal was to transcend merely adding more courses and elevate the series to new heights. "We decided to drop the numbering and go with 'Mario Kart World' from the early stages of development," he stated.

Shifting to Switch 2

Programming Director Kenta Sato disclosed that the transition to developing for the Nintendo Switch 2 was considered in 2020. At that point, the team had some ideas about the next-generation console's capabilities but didn't have access to development units until later. "We had to rely on provisional estimates to continue development," Sato explained.

The team was keen on ensuring that their expansive vision for the game could be realized without compromising performance. "The original Switch's capabilities were sufficient for many games, but our vast world would have struggled to maintain 60 fps without framerate drops," Sato noted. Once they had a clear understanding of the Switch 2's performance, their concerns dissipated. "We were thrilled to learn we could achieve even more than we initially planned," he added.

Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa highlighted the need for enhanced graphics due to the Switch 2 upgrade. Far from feeling daunted, the art team was relieved to have the opportunity to enrich the game's visuals, adding more detailed elements like additional trees and richer terrain.

Cow Being a Playable Character

A surprising and exciting reveal for fans was the inclusion of Cow as a playable character, a first for the series. Previously, Cow was merely 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. "One of our designers sketched Cow racing, and it clicked immediately," he laughed. "It made us realize the untapped potential in the game's environment." The addition of Cow not only felt natural but also opened up possibilities for including other NPCs as racers, enhancing the game's interconnected world.

Beyond the inclusion of Cow, the developers focused on various elements to create a cohesive world. Diverse types of food add flavor to the game's environment, while adjustments to karts and track designs cater to different terrains, ensuring a dynamic racing experience.

As excitement builds among fans, they eagerly anticipate the return of the beloved plumber in the expansive world of Mario Kart. With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch with one of its flagship franchises, the future looks bright.

Mario Kart World is scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our related articles below!