5 Reasons Why Everyone Says "Mario Kart World Sucks" (And Why It Might Get Better)
The launch of a new Mario Kart title is usually a global celebration, but as of late 2024 and early 2025, a different conversation has dominated the racing community: "Mario Kart World sucks." This sentiment isn't just a handful of disgruntled fans; it's a chorus of disappointment directed at the perceived shortcomings of the latest installment, especially when compared to the gold standard set by its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The core of the problem, according to players, lies in a combination of missing essential features, lackluster new modes, and a general feeling that the game is simply a downgrade.
The frustration is compounded by the impending closure of Mario Kart Tour on June 12, 2025, leaving fans with an unfinished feeling about the franchise's direction as it transitions to the next generation of consoles. We’ve scoured the latest discussions to compile the definitive list of reasons why the newest chapter in the beloved racing saga has earned such a harsh, negative reception.
The Definitive List of Mario Kart World's Biggest Flaws (2025)
The criticisms leveled against Mario Kart World are specific and often point to design decisions that feel like a step backward from the franchise's peak performance on the Nintendo Switch. These are the major pain points driving the "sucks" narrative:
1. The Unacceptable Absence of 3/4-Player Split-Screen
For many, the heart of Mario Kart has always been local, chaotic multiplayer. It’s the game you play on the couch with friends. One of the most shocking and frequently cited complaints about Mario Kart World is the reported inability to play with three or four players in split-screen mode.
- Missing Local Multiplayer: The community widely views the lack of 3/4-player local multiplayer as an "inexcusable" omission in a 2025 title, especially considering the power of the new console.
- A Core Feature Downgrade: This feature has been a staple since the Nintendo 64 era. Its removal or limitation is seen as a fundamental misunderstanding of the game's social appeal and a significant downgrade from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- The Social Experience: The game is now perceived as less of a party staple, forcing groups to rely on multiple consoles and online connections, which dilutes the classic couch-co-op experience.
2. New Modes and Content Feel Underwhelming and "Boring"
Nintendo introduced new concepts to Mario Kart World, such as a "Free Roam" area and a "Knockout Tour" mode, but the community consensus is that these additions are half-baked, lacking depth, and ultimately "boring". The lack of fresh content since launch has also fueled the disappointment.
- Boring Free Roam: The open-world or free-roam element, intended to offer an exploration aspect, has been criticized for having "not many things to do" and feeling empty. It fails to capture the magic of other Nintendo exploration titles.
- Knockout Tour is Too Easy: The new tournament-style mode, Knockout Tour, is reportedly too simple, with one player noting they "unlocked all the characters in a week". This lack of challenge leads to rapid player burnout and a short lifespan for the mode.
- Battle Modes "Just Plain Suck": The dedicated Battle Modes, which are often a competitive highlight, have been described bluntly as "just plain suck," suggesting poor map design, frustrating mechanics, or a lack of variety compared to previous iterations.
3. Technical and Performance Decisions That Miss the Mark
While a new console promises a graphical leap, players have pointed out several technical and design choices that feel archaic or restrictive, contributing to the overall sense of disappointment.
- Missing 200cc Time Trials: The exclusion of the 200cc speed class from Time Trials is a significant turn-off for competitive players and speedrunners. This high-skill mode is essential for mastering advanced techniques and track layouts, and its absence limits the game's long-term competitive appeal.
- Disappointing Graphics: Despite being a next-generation title, some players feel the graphics are a letdown, suggesting they look only marginally better than the previous generation, failing to deliver the visual punch expected from a new console launch.
- Track Design Issues: There is a feeling that tracks designed for the new modes, like the Knockout Tour, do not "mesh well with traditional 3-lap races," leading to a disjointed and unsatisfying racing experience in standard Grand Prix events.
4. The Lingering Frustrations Inherited from MK8 Deluxe
Even before Mario Kart World arrived, the franchise carried baggage from the highly successful but sometimes frustrating Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These unresolved issues continue to plague the core gameplay experience, leading to a compounded sense of annoyance.
- The Blue Shell Problem: The long-standing debate over item balance persists. The "blue shell" and other powerful items are often criticized for Nintendo's strategy to "sell the game" by ensuring any rookie can win, which frustrates skilled players who feel their lead is unfairly nullified. This "rubber-banding" AI and item chaos can make higher solo levels "incredibly frustrating".
- The Anti-Gravity Gimmick: While not a new criticism, the anti-gravity mechanic introduced in MK8 was initially "sledged" and felt like a "redundant/useless addition" that didn't fundamentally improve the racing experience. If World leans too heavily on this or similar gimmicks, it will continue to feel unnecessary.
- Aggressive AI/Bots: The AI, or bots, in the Mario Kart universe are notoriously "mean," often targeting the player unfairly. This perceived imbalance in the single-player experience can make the game feel less about skill and more about luck.
5. The High Bar Set by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The ultimate reason why Mario Kart World is facing such a backlash is simple: it is being judged against a masterpiece. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, especially after its monumental Booster Course Pass, is an "incredible game" that has sold over 70 million copies and offers hundreds of hours of fun.
The new title is not just a new game; it's a replacement. Fans are comparing a full-featured, content-rich, and polished experience to a game that, in its current state, feels "super bare bones" and expensive. Until Nintendo addresses the key missing features—like the essential 3/4-player split-screen and the lack of engaging content—many players will continue to feel that MK8D is "currently better".
The Future: Can Mario Kart World Redeem Itself?
Despite the current wave of negative sentiment, there is a silver lining. The disappointment stems from the game's potential, not a complete failure of its core mechanics. Many players believe that Mario Kart World can ultimately surpass its predecessor if Nintendo commits to significant post-launch support.
The roadmap for redemption involves adding crucial features that were inexplicably missing at launch. The community is eagerly awaiting announcements that include adding more modes, introducing 200cc to Time Trials, and significantly expanding the track and character roster. With a dedicated content update schedule, the game could evolve from a massive disappointment into the definitive next-generation Mario Kart experience, but for now, the prevailing sentiment is a resounding, and somewhat justified, "sucks."
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