The producer of Mario Kart World shared that the game was initially crafted for the original Nintendo Switch. Discover the journey of its creation and the adjustments made when development transitioned to the Switch 2.

Insights from Mario Kart World’s Development Team

Early Prototyping in 2017

Mario Kart World, the latest chapter in the kart-racing saga, launches with the Nintendo Switch 2. Its development, however, began in 2017, overlapping with work on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

In Nintendo’s Ask the Developer series, published May 21, the Mario Kart World team revealed details about the game’s origins. Producer Kosuke Yabuki explained that prototyping started in March 2017, with full development kicking off by year’s end. Having refined the series’ formula in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Yabuki said the team aimed to build something grander.

Yabuki also clarified why the game isn’t titled Mario Kart 9, despite expectations. The team’s ambition extended beyond new tracks, seeking to elevate the series to new heights. This led to a fresh title, with “Mario Kart World” featured in early concept art.

Transitioning to Switch 2

Programming Director Kenta Sato noted that the shift to Switch 2 was first considered in 2020. While the team had a rough sense of the next-generation console’s potential, they lacked access to development units initially. “We relied on rough estimates to move forward,” Sato said.

The team needed to ensure their vision aligned with the console’s capabilities. Sato explained, “The original Switch could handle many games, but our expansive world wouldn’t maintain 60 fps without performance issues.”

Once Switch 2’s specs were confirmed, the team’s concerns eased, and they realized they could exceed their original goals. “I was thrilled to see we could do even more than planned,” Sato recalled.

Switch 2’s enhanced power required upgraded assets. Art Director Masaaki Ishikawa said the visuals demanded greater detail. Far from daunting, this shift excited the art team, who welcomed the chance to enrich the game’s aesthetics.

Moving to Switch 2 unlocked new possibilities, like denser landscapes with more trees and richer environments, which were limited by the original Switch’s performance.

Cow Joins the Race

Fans cheered when the trailer revealed Cow as a playable character, a first for the series. Previously, Cow appeared only as a background element or obstacle.

Ishikawa explained that each Mario Kart title introduces a new racer. “A designer’s playful sketch of Cow racing sparked the idea,” he said, laughing. The team found Cow’s inclusion surprisingly fitting, inspiring plans to add more non-playable characters in future titles to deepen the game’s interconnected world.

Beyond new racers, the developers focused on crafting a cohesive world. Details like diverse food elements enhance the game’s variety. Kart adjustments for different terrains and dynamic track designs were also prioritized.

With excitement building, fans eagerly await the return of Mario in this expansive racing adventure. Nintendo is betting big on Switch 2, launching one of its flagship franchises on day one.

Mario Kart World arrives June 5, 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. For the latest updates, check out our related article below!