Nintendo of America via YouTube
Less than two weeks until the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World are released. Nintendo has been building up to the launch by sharing insights from the game’s developers. One interesting tidbit revealed was the original plan to release MK World on the original Switch. The development team wanted to create a more expansive experience, moving away from closed circuits and increasing the number of racers from 12 to 24.
The programming director, Kenta Sato, expressed concerns about balancing performance and gameplay during the development process. While the original Switch was capable of handling various types of games, pushing the hardware to accommodate all the team’s ideas for MK World would have resulted in frame rate issues. The decision to move the game to the Switch 2 in 2020 was met with joy by the team, as it meant they could fully realize their vision without compromising performance.
The art director, Masaaki Ishikawa, highlighted the relief felt by the team when they could now create more detailed graphics without sacrificing visual fidelity. The move to the Switch 2 allowed for a richer art style, with designers able to add more environmental details like trees to enhance the game world. The transition from the original Switch to the Switch 2 ensured that MK World would maintain the quality that fans have come to expect from the franchise.
If you’re eagerly awaiting the release of Mario Kart World, be sure to check out Nintendo’s interviews for insights into the game’s development process. From designing a seamless open world soundtrack to implementing a day/night cycle and weather system, the interviews cover a range of topics that showcase the ambition behind MK World. While topping the success of Mario Kart 8 may be a challenge, the dedication of the development team suggests that MK World will offer a new and exciting experience for players.
