Nintendo’s Mario Kart World looks to be a system-selling winner for the Switch 2. Just when you think the red brand has run out of ideas, they continue to impress. Mario Kart World looks to make the most of the Nintendo Switch 2’s new capabilities, but Switch 1 owners are looking on with interest.
As a new generation of consoles is born, the previous one starts to show its age. Granted, the Nintendo Switch has sold nearly 150 million units and is one of the most successful consoles in history. It will retain players for a long time, but Nintendo has to start pivoting toward its new hardware and focus its efforts and pushing the unit and making it more appealing.
This means certain games and features are exclusive to the Switch 2, leaving Switch 1 owners to miss out. Mario Kart World is a big, new Nintendo game, and Switch 1 owners are worried about missing out.
Is Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 1?
Mario Kart World is speeding its way on the Nintendo Switch 2, but not the Nintendo Switch 1.
The only way to play Mario Kart World is to buy a Switch 2. If you’re an original Switch 1 owner, you’ll have to make do with Mario Kart 8, unless you decide to upgrade later on. Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 exclusive arriving as a day-one launch title.
It’s also extremely unlikely that a scaled-down Mario Kart World will come out for Switch 1.
Why Isn’t Mario Kart World on Switch 1?
Naturally, Mario Kart World is a system-selling AAA title that is bound to sell millions over the course of the console’s lifetime. The incentive is for Switch 1 owners and onlookers to buy a Switch 2 and secure a copy.
If you want people to buy a Switch 2, why release Mario Kart World for the first Switch when everyone already owns the console? This is is the bigger and better (potentially) Mario Kart release. Nintendo wants you to buy a Switch 2 to get to experience it for yourself.
Also, the bigger, intertwining world and 24-player races are likely beyond the capabilities of the Switch 1. Or, it wouldn’t run very well—making the Switch 2 the best place to play it.
All the reasons above are why Mario Kart World is only on the Nintendo Switch 2, and why it isn’t on Switch 1.
Will you be shelling out for the Nintendo Switch 2? Or maybe waiting for the rumored OLED Switch 2? Our comments section below is waiting for your reply. Plus, the Insider Gaming forum is always a good place to take conversations further.
We also have guides on every game mode, all courses, and confirmed characters for Mario Kart World.
