Mario Kart World Early Hands-On: Giant Boats, Water Physics, and Nintendo’s Open-World Bet

With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, Nintendo has started peeling back the curtain on its next flagship racer: Mario Kart World. After preview events in New York and Los Angeles, new gameplay clips and impressions have started flooding social media—and honestly, it looks like we’re not just getting more karts and shells this time.

From hovercraft attachments to ripple-heavy water physics, Mario Kart World already feels like a serious evolution of the formula. And with a dedicated Nintendo Direct coming on April 17, this early hands-on buzz is just the beginning.

We previously discussed a list of notable exclusives and ports for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Giant Boats and Blue Shell Waves?

Let’s start with the obvious: this game is BIG. One of the most striking discoveries from the demo sessions is the massive boat attachments for karts, which transform them into hovercraft-like vehicles over water. Clips from content creator GettingMadz show these boat sections aren’t just visual flair—they’re a functional and chaotic part of gameplay, capable of pushing other players around due to sheer size. It’s giving Mario meets Waverace” energy in the best way.

Meanwhile, GameXplain’s André Segers posted footage showing the ripple effects and water displacement when a kart hits the surface—especially during chaotic moments like a Blue Shell explosion. The water isn’t just animated; it reacts dynamically. It’s a small detail, but it is one that points to Nintendo’s physics engine getting a serious next-gen boost.

A True Open World?

But here’s the real kicker: Mario Kart World is going open-world. No, not just “choose a track and load in.” According to previews, there’s a free-roam mode that lets players explore the entire karting world between races. Think of it like a Mario Kart version of Forza Horizon, where you can drive across connected environments, discovering secrets and alternate paths to new racetracks.

There are 16 racetracks confirmed so far, including (unsurprisingly) Rainbow Road, which leaked earlier this month. But thanks to the game’s open-world structure, players will be able to drive to these tracks, adding an adventure-like exploration layer to the traditional race circuit. There are even hints of different transportation modes beyond boats—helicopters, dune buggies, gliders—though these haven’t been officially confirmed yet.

It’s ambitious, and if Nintendo pulls it off, it could mark one of the most significant evolutions in Mario Kart history.

Why This Game Matters for Switch 2

Mario Kart World isn’t just a sequel—it’s a launch pillar for the Nintendo Switch 2, dropping June 5. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that Mario Kart sells hardware. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has moved over 60 million copies, making it the most popular racing game ever. This next installment needs to show what Nintendo’s new console can actually do—and early footage is promising on that front.

Better physics, broader environments, seamless exploration—all of that speaks to more horsepower under the hood. If Switch 2 wants to compete with PS5 and Xbox Series X, even in Nintendo’s own weird way, it needs exclusives that feel fresh. And Mario Kart World might be the one to set the tone.

$80 Price Tag—Too Much?

Of course, there’s already been pushback online about the game’s $80 price tag. That’s a first for the franchise, and it’s caused some understandable skepticism. But if this game really delivers a free-roam world, dynamic environments, and 24-player multiplayer—plus the usual Mario Kart charm and polish—it might justify the bump.

Nintendo’s pricing strategy has always been a little premium, especially for first-party titles. But this time, it seems like they’re trying to back it up with real innovation. Even skeptics are watching closely.

Nintendo Exclusives Leading the Charge

It’s worth noting how Mario Kart World fits into the broader Nintendo exclusive landscape. Nintendo doesn’t do “powerful graphics” like the other guys—they do ideas. And their big IPs usually launch with something weird and ambitious.

We’ve seen it before:

• Breath of the Wild redefined open-world exploration
• Super Mario Odyssey gave us free-form 3D platforming with sandbox vibes
• Splatoon turned online shooters into neon-paint chaos
• And now, Mario Kart World could redefine what a kart racer can be

Each of these titles helped define the platform they were built for. Mario Kart World looks ready to carry that same torch—this time in high gear.

What’s Next on Nintendo road?

We’ll know more soon. The Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct drops April 17, and it’s expected to show off free-roam gameplay, new racetracks, vehicle types, and maybe even character reveals. There’s also a question of online multiplayer—how will it work in open-world mode? Will there be seasonal content? Kart customization?

Whatever the answers, Nintendo is clearly aiming for more than just another “new tracks, same game” release. This could be the most innovative Mario Kart ever made—and maybe the game that sells the next generation of Switch.

Stay tuned. The race is just getting started.