Should They Play?The parents' guide to apps and games

Should I let my child play Mario Kart World?

3+

Yes

From age 3. It's cartoon racing with no chat with strangers and nothing to buy inside the game.

Mario Kart World is about as gentle as video games get: cartoon karts, bright tracks and items that spin other racers out. PEGI rates it 3 and ESRB rates it for everyone. Online races match players with strangers, but there's no typed chat, and Nintendo's voice and video chat (GameChat) is switched off for under-16s until a parent sets it up, and then only works with friends you approve. There are no in-game purchases. It passes every one of our checks on the default settings. The steps below are optional extras.

Mario Kart World passes all 7 safety checks. See how we decided, and the official age ratings

Last checked . Mario Kart World is made by Nintendo and runs on Nintendo Switch 2.

What is Mario Kart World?

Mario Kart World is a racing game where Mario and friends race karts around colourful tracks, using items like shells and bananas to get ahead. It can be played alone, with family on one console, or online.

Our advice by age

Under 3
NoPEGI rates it 3 and over.
3 and over
YesYes. Younger children will find it easier with the steering and acceleration assists switched on.

What to watch out for

  • Online races with strangersRisk is low by default, low with controls on

    Online races include up to 24 players, some of them strangers, but there's no typed chat. Voice and video chat only works with friends you approve.

  • Cartoon violenceRisk is low by default, low with controls on

    Racers throw shells and bananas that spin each other out. Nobody gets hurt.

  • Time spentRisk is low by default, low with controls on

    Races are short, which makes 'one more' easy. Nintendo's Parental Controls app can set a daily limit.

  • CostsRisk is low by default, low with controls on

    There's nothing to buy inside the game, but online play needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.

What's good about it

  • Great for playing together as a family on one console
  • Assists let very young children steer and keep up
  • No in-game purchases
  • No typed chat, and voice chat only with friends you approve

How to set it up safely

Required steps are the conditions of our verdict. If you can't do them, our answer is no. Takes about ten minutes. Do it with your child so they know what's switched on and why.

  1. Set up Nintendo's parental controls with a PINRecommended

    Use the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Only someone with the PIN can change the settings.

  2. Decide on voice chatRecommended

    GameChat stays off for under-16s until you set it up. If you allow it, approve only friends your child knows in real life.

  3. Restrict spendingRecommended

    There's nothing to buy in the game, but restricting eShop spending stops other purchases.

  4. Set a daily time limitRecommended

    The Parental Controls app can pause the game when time's up.

  5. Turn on the assists for younger childrenRecommended

    Auto-acceleration and assisted steering make it easier to keep up and more fun.

Recent news

  1. Mario Kart World has been updated to version 1.8.0Nintendo Life

    A free update adds 10 classic courses and a spectator mode. Updates have all been free so far.

  2. Mario Kart World has been updated to version 1.7.0Nintendo Life

    New race routes and the option to decorate photos with stickers, at no extra cost.

  3. Mario Kart World has been updated to version 1.6.0Nintendo Life

    Adds a new battle mode for playing together.

Common questions

What age is Mario Kart World suitable for?

3 and over. PEGI rates it 3 and ESRB rates it for everyone. Younger children will need the steering and acceleration assists switched on.

Can strangers talk to my child in Mario Kart World?

No. There's no typed chat. Nintendo's voice and video chat is off for under-16s until you set it up, and then only works with friends you approve.

Does Mario Kart World cost money after buying it?

There are no in-game purchases. Playing online needs a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Is it OK to play online?

Yes. Online races include strangers, but they can't message your child. Keep voice chat to friends you approve.

What would change your verdict?

Typed chat with strangers or in-game purchases being added, or official action against Nintendo over child safety. We re-check every review at least every three months.