Here’s a bold statement: Mario Kart World is an absolute thrill ride, but it’s missing a few key elements that could catapult it into gaming legend status. And this is the part most people miss—while the game is already a blast, some strategic DLC additions could keep players hooked for years to come. Let me explain.
I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical about the Nintendo Switch 2, as I outlined in my previous article (https://au.pcmag.com/gaming-systems/114928/not-sure-if-you-should-upgrade-to-the-switch-2-heres-why-i-havent). But after receiving the console for Christmas, I’ve been completely won over by Mario Kart World (https://au.pcmag.com/nintendo-games/111482/mario-kart-world). The open-world design, the adrenaline-pumping drifts, and the chaotic races have me coming back for more. However, with the game now over six months old, it’s time to talk about what’s next—specifically, DLC. After all, Nintendo supported Mario Kart 8 for a decade, so why not this one? Here are five DLC ideas that could take Mario Kart World to the next level, from cosmetic tweaks to game-changing additions.
1. Expand the Roster and Wardrobe
Let’s face it: gaming is all about having fun, and sometimes that means embracing the absurd. Seeing Mario race in a cowboy hat? Pure joy for my kids and me. But here’s the catch: characters like Donkey Kong and Pauline only have two costumes, which feels like a missed opportunity. I rarely play as them in Free Roam because characters like Luigi have far more options. But here’s where it gets controversial—why can’t I use Dash Food to change my red Shy Guy’s color? It’s a small detail, but it’s these little things that add up.
And while we’re at it, where are the Koopalings? Or characters like Professor E. Gadd, King Bob-omb, and Cappy? Adding Luma to tie in with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (releasing this April) would be a no-brainer. Heck, throw in some guest characters from other Nintendo franchises—Kirby already has his own racing game (https://au.pcmag.com/nintendo-games/114657/kirby-air-riders), after all. More characters mean more reasons to keep playing.
2. Revamp Versus and Grand Prix Modes
Knockout Tour (https://au.pcmag.com/nintendo-games/111582/i-took-the-1-spot-in-mario-kart-worlds-knockout-tour-rule-the-race-with-my-top-5-tips) is a fantastic addition, but the open-world focus has created an imbalance. Since Knockout Tour relies on connected courses, Grand Prix should stick to individual tracks. Having two open-world modes feels redundant. Yes, the unpredictability is fun, but it makes mastering tracks nearly impossible. And this is the part most people miss—Versus mode should allow players to race single tracks, not just sets of three. Let us choose one traditional course, or expand the pool of available tracks. These changes would breathe new life into Grand Prix mode too.
Bonus idea: A battle royale mode for Free Roam, or the return of double-occupancy karts from Mario Kart: Double Dash. Sound familiar? It’s because these features are long overdue.
3. More Tracks, Please!
Don’t get me wrong, the 30 included courses are fantastic, but I’m greedy—I want more. Integrating new tracks into the open world might be tricky, but Nintendo already set a precedent with Rainbow Road, which exists outside the main overworld. Why not add a Super Mario Galaxy 2-themed course (https://au.pcmag.com/nintendo-games/113194/i-played-the-super-mario-galaxy-2-remaster-and-its-still-out-of-this-world) to tie in with the movie? Or introduce more variations of existing tracks, like Bell Cup or Red Shell Rally. The framework is there—Nintendo just needs to expand on it.
4. Spice Up the Overworld
The open-world design is stunning, and I’ve spent hours exploring biomes, finding secrets, and completing challenges. But let’s be honest: the overworld feels a bit empty. The achievements are meaningless, and the challenges grow repetitive. But here’s where it gets controversial—what if stickers collected as rewards actually impacted your vehicle’s performance? Or if you could customize your car with special abilities, even if just for Free Roam? A Crazy Taxi-inspired mode, where you ferry hitchhikers to destinations, would add much-needed variety. The potential is there—Nintendo just needs to tap into it.
5. Free DLC, Period.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: I’ve already paid $80 for Mario Kart World, $20 more than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Charging extra for DLC feels like double-dipping. And this is the part most people miss—Nintendo already priced this game as a premium AAA title (https://au.pcmag.com/nintendo-games/110390/nintendo-screw-it-were-charging-80-for-switch-2-games), so future content should be included in that cost. If, years down the line, they want to offer a paid expansion like the Booster Course Pass, fine. But for now, I’ve already paid my dues.
Thought-Provoking Question: Should Nintendo prioritize free DLC to maintain player loyalty, or is it fair to charge extra for additional content? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m curious to hear where you stand!
