Why Mario Kart World Is the Perfect Game to Kick Off Your Switch 2 Experience

Mario Kart World has quickly become the go-to game for many Switch 2 owners, and it’s easy to see why. Despite initial doubts about its place as a launch title, this racing game fits perfectly into the busy lives of players, offering quick, fun sessions that don’t demand a huge time commitment or mental effort.

Why Mario Kart World makes sense as a Switch 2 launch game
How the game suits short and long play sessions
Nintendo’s strategy with the Switch 2 launch lineup
Upcoming Nintendo titles and what’s missing so far

Mario Kart World: The Perfect Pick-Up-And-Play Game

When the Nintendo Direct in April revealed the Switch 2 launch lineup, many found it a bit unusual. Yet, Mario Kart World as a launch title actually makes a lot of sense. After all, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold over 68 million copies on the original Switch, so Nintendo is clearly banking on a proven winner. But it’s not just about the numbers. One month in, Mario Kart World has become the game I play the most on my Switch 2.

Why? Because it fits my life. Whether I have just a few minutes or a full hour, Mario Kart World is easy to jump into and enjoy. It’s the kind of game you can play during a lunch break, in a quick session at night, or longer with friends and family on the weekend. This flexibility is exactly what Nintendo aimed for with their “pick up and play” strategy, making gaming accessible without demanding too much time or effort.

Switch 2 Launch: A Mixed Bag

I chose the Mario Kart World bundle to save some cash, with the hope of finally diving into The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in full. However, I found myself bouncing off the Zelda game due to its difficulty and occasional performance hiccups. Instead, Mario Kart World became my go-to. It’s even taken over more of my playtime than Breath of the Wild did when the original Switch launched in 2017.

After a long day, it’s hard to find the energy or focus for deep, challenging games. I could explore Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 or master a new fighter in Street Fighter 6, but sometimes I just want to put a cow on a motorcycle and watch it do backflips off a dinosaur. That’s Mario Kart World in a nutshell—fun, lighthearted, and perfect for unwinding.

Time Constraints and Gaming Habits

Not having enough time or willpower for longer games isn’t unique to me. It’s a reality for many players. Researchers studying game development found that most players don’t finish games, even if they enjoy them. Back in 2013, Ubisoft designer Jason Vandenberghe wrote in Game Developer Magazine that good developers accept most players won’t finish their games.

Mario Kart World embodies this approach perfectly. Its mix of quick challenges and longer races matches the “anywhere, anytime, however you want” style Nintendo pioneered with the original Switch. You don’t have to sacrifice your schedule to enjoy it.

What’s Next for Switch 2?

While Mario Kart World is a solid start, the rest of the Switch 2 launch lineup feels uncertain. Nintendo has announced Donkey Kong Bananza for later this month, but beyond that, major titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond remain without release dates, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A is still months away.

Nintendo’s approach to the Switch 2 launch differs from the original Switch’s strategy. The company gave fewer development kits to partners, aiming for quality over quantity. This has led to strong ports like Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky but also means fewer new games this year. Or at least, fewer that we know about.

This leaves Mario Kart World to carry the console through its first months, even though racing games typically don’t generate huge buzz among critics or players. Still, its convenience and respect for players’ time make it a smart choice.

Final Thoughts

Mario Kart World might not have the star power of a new 3D Mario title or the excitement of a Pokémon sequel. It doesn’t have the shiny appeal of Metroid or the surprise factor of Donkey Kong Bananza. But what it does have is flexibility, ease of play, and a respect for busy gamers’ time. Nintendo’s gamble on “just a racing game” as a launch title has paid off in that regard.

For anyone juggling work, family, and gaming, Mario Kart World is a welcome companion that fits into life without demanding too much. And in today’s fast-paced world, that might just be enough.

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— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-07-01T14:25:35.367Z