I Played the £75 Mario Kart World on Switch 2 – Was it Worth It?

Right, so the BBC got its mitts on the shiny new Nintendo Switch 2 – the one everyone’s been buzzing about since, like, forever. And guess what? I got to play it. Specifically, I got to spend a good chunk of time tearing around a brand-new Mario Kart track, costing a cool £75 (yes, you read that right, seventy-five pounds!). Was it worth the hype? Was it worth the frankly eye-watering price tag? Let’s dive in.

First impressions? The Switch 2 feels… different. Subtly different, maybe, but different nonetheless. It’s lighter than I expected, which is a nice surprise. Holding it felt more comfortable than the original Switch, and the buttons have a satisfying click. The screen, though? Oh my goodness, the screen. It’s vibrant, sharp, and ridiculously clear. It almost felt like I was watching a tiny, high-definition movie instead of playing a game. The colours just *popped*. It’s a massive upgrade.

Now, let’s talk Mario Kart. This new track – let’s call it “Rainbow Road Galaxy” for now, because it felt like that – was a visual masterpiece. The detail was insane. Seriously. The lighting effects, the reflections on the water, even the tiny little details on the sides of the track; they all looked incredible. I almost forgot to race at times, I was so busy gawking at the scenery.

The gameplay itself felt familiar, but smoother. The controls were incredibly responsive, and the frame rate was silky smooth. No lag, no hiccups, nothing. Just pure, unadulterated racing bliss. Drifting felt more intuitive, and the power-ups seemed a bit more… balanced? Or maybe I just got lucky. Either way, I felt like I was actually *better* at Mario Kart on this thing. And that’s saying something.

But back to that price. £75 for this specific Mario Kart experience? It’s a hefty sum, no question. While the visuals and gameplay are undeniably amazing, it’s hard to shake the feeling that it’s pricey. Is it worth it? That depends entirely on your perspective and budget. If you’re a die-hard Mario Kart fan and have the disposable income, then absolutely. The enhanced visuals and gameplay alone could justify the cost for some.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget, or you’re not a super-fanatic, then you might want to wait and see what other games and experiences come out on the Switch 2. It’s a beautiful piece of tech, don’t get me wrong, but £75 is a substantial investment for a single track, even one this good. It’s certainly a premium experience.

Ultimately, my time with the Switch 2 and its accompanying Mario Kart track was undeniably positive. The hardware is a significant leap forward, and the game looked and played fantastically. But the price point leaves a lingering question. It’s a luxury item, a statement of intent from Nintendo, and a glimpse into the future of gaming on the go. But is it a *necessary* luxury? That’s something you’ll need to answer for yourself.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know what you think of the Switch 2 and if you’d be willing to pay this much for a single game experience in the comments below.

One last thing: The loading times were near instantaneous. Seriously, I was impressed. That alone makes the system feel incredibly slick and polished.

Overall, while expensive, the experience was stunning. The visual fidelity is something else entirely. The increased smoothness of the gameplay, combined with the superior screen technology, makes for an amazing and immersive gaming experience. But the high price tag warrants careful consideration before purchasing.