<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/97688826/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_26.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Mario Kart World" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Mario Kart World makes a strong first impression. As any prior player of the franchise would expect, the vibrant and action-packed world is immediately fun and engaging. It only takes a few minutes of play to see that, beyond a bevy of new courses and some fancier graphical flourishes, there’s also a lot of new features under the hood that help the game make strides. While my early evaluation of the open world structure suggests that it lags behind other racing games that have tried similar feats, there’s no doubt after several hours of racing that this is a strong and worthy follow-up for the franchise.&nbsp;</p><p>We’ll have a complete scored review in the coming days. In the meantime, here are some big takeaways.</p><p>Drop straight into a sequence of Grand Prix races, and any kart racing enthusiast is likely to start having a great time. The courses are varied and fantastical, filled with strange and sudden twists on expectation, rocketing you high into the sky one minute only to splash you down into rocky ocean waves the next. The music also deserves a special call-out. I’ve sometimes found prior entries in Mario Kart to lean too heavily into pure frantic speed in musical tracks (especially on final laps) in an almost annoying way. The new installment is still high energy, but there’s more variation to the musical score, and is far more listenable.</p><p>I’ve always enjoyed playing Mario Kart with friends or the kids in my family, but it was never a game I turned to for an especially compelling racing feel beyond simple fun. This is the first time I recall finding the controls explore a level of depth that makes me dig in and truly develop my karting skills to the next level. New rail riding, increased focus on jumps and wall rides, more natural gliding while in the air – I’m really enjoying the flow of races. Especially on the higher CC runs, I have to pay close attention to snag the win.</p><p>Does this version of Mario Kart look profoundly better than what came before? I don’t think so. Some of the character models (I’m looking at you, Princess Peach) have an exaggerated facial modeling that I’m having a hard time adjusting to. But over time, there’s no doubt that Mario Kart World offers an impressive sense of speed and some exciting visual splendor. Light flashing off moving water, the sense of speed for incoming projectiles, the rich variance to the color palette – it’s an arresting game to look at, even if I haven’t encountered any graphical personal highlights that sell me on Switch 2 as a powerhouse, despite the attached buzzwords of HDR or higher FPS counts.&nbsp;</p><p class="inline-rich-content-placeholder">&nbsp;</p><p>Mario Kart World’s most significant innovation from prior entries is the free-roaming map. I love how this structure naturally creates an array of new courses that interconnect the primary locations around the map. And I like dropping into free roam and getting to navigate a vast Mario-themed landscape while trying to find hidden pick-ups and take on scattered challenge missions.&nbsp;</p><p>However, Mario Kart World arrives at the free-roaming race model many years behind other racing competitors. At least based on the hours I’ve played, it lags behind most of them, including titles like the Forza Horizon series, or even other family-friendly fare like LEGO 2K Drive. The approach to accessing one’s map in Mario Kart World is confusing and unhelpful, seemingly only easily reachable from the top-end menu (though I do like dropping straight into the driving location shown on screen). There are too few activities to keep me engaged as I explore. It’s a beautiful game world, but it feels a bit barren. Perhaps I’ll change my mind on that front as I spend more time driving, but it’s one trouble spot in my early engagement.&nbsp;</p><p>Even with a less-than-stellar free-roaming experience so far, Mario Kart World is the most fun I’ve had playing solo with a game in the franchise. And the multiplayer sessions I’ve tackled with friends and family so far have the same frenetic energy and fun you’d expect. It’s energetic, family-friendly, and approachable, but it flirts with some greater depth than we’ve seen from the series in the past.&nbsp;</p><p>Is it a game that’s going to change your opinion on Mario Kart one way or the other? Almost certainly not. But is this a game that you can feel good buying on day one, with the knowledge that everyone at home will have a blast? Absolutely.&nbsp;</p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/ce49c2ef/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_item_scrn_09.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/3eaf71c6/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_scrn_freerun_03.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/d754f4c2/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_item_scrn_16.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/92fec649/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_scrn_15.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/d39479ae/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_item_scrn_12.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/8d09cccd/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_freeroam_scrn_12.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/7cbe3150/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_item_scrn_05.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/0439c28e/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_33.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/bd1c285c/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_25.jpg'></figure></section>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/05/2dede8d7/switch2header.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>I am not quite ready to render a final, official review synopsis of Nintendo’s Switch 2 console. I haven’t spent enough time with it yet. <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2477145577?filter=archives&amp;sort=time">I streamed Mario Kart World yesterday</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@game_informer/video/7512154615463283998">tried putting a Switch 2 game in a Switch 1 console</a>, and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/kylehilliard.bsky.social/post/3lquywjf4o22n">have spent most of my day today becoming someone who knows what’s what when it comes to HD rumble 2 in Welcome Tour</a>. I may not be ready to give it a grade, but I, along with some of the other editors here at Game Informer who have been spending time with the system, can at least share some of our early impressions.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/05/3a3f73d6/bafkreiarivf6gip5qnl35zrf77dbtuqnzfy7vknge4gtm5yazwtdmuyaua.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt class="image-style-body-default"> Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (2025) <p>Nintendo sent us a console to start reviewing yesterday, and I booted it up and was instantly charmed by the fact that there was music during the startup screen. We’ve all come to revere the Wii Shop Channel music, and it always made me sad that Wii U and Switch abandoned the soundtrack for various menus. The Switch 2 is still generally a silent platform, but it was nice to hear some original music at least while getting signed in.</p><p>One of my favorite initial hardware elements is the magnetized Joy-Cons. I used to nervously eject the Switch’s Joy-Cons on and off during load times, and while I still do that here (and worry about long-term wear), I do find the process more satisfying. Feeling them lock back into place is nice, and tearing them away from the magnet feels good.</p><p>There is obviously lots more to say about Switch 2, but the zoomed-out larger picture is that the system feels good, if safe. I love when Nintendo takes big swings with its hardware, but it has led to some undeniable stumbles. Switch 2 feels like a bunt, but a very confident bunt that feels good in your hands. It’s not the Nintendo Revolution (famously the Wii’s codename prior to launch) we’ve come to expect from Nintendo, but may be exactly what I wanted. – Kyle Hilliard, executive editor</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/04/17/ff2b8b8e/nintendoswitch2_mariokartworld_character_scrn_43.jpg" alt="Mario Kart World" title="Mario Kart World" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default"> Mario Kart World (2025) <p>After spending several hours with the new system, I'm impressed with what I've encountered. The interface is familiar but tweaked for usability. Transitioning from my old Switch to the new console was relatively straightforward, but I did feel compelled to create new linked Nintendo accounts for my other family members, as there's some weirdness there with what gets erased from your old console otherwise.</p><p>I've had time to update at least one older game to the new Nintendo Switch 2 version – Tears of the Kingdom. It seems to run well, and I can notice some increase in fidelity, but nothing is world-shaking at first glance.</p><p>Most of my time has been with Mario Kart World (as I expect will be the case for most people who bring a unit home in the coming days). Our review is forthcoming, but the short version is that it's got some great courses, fun updates to controls and driving, and a more fully considered approach to solo play than prior Mario Kart releases. It's definitely fun, and should welcome all members of the family, regardless of age. – Matt Miller, editor-in-chief</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/05/9c702094/img_6003.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt class="image-style-body-default"> <p>Though booting up the Switch 2 for the first time was underwhelming, as it does little to differentiate itself from the Switch in significant ways from an OS perspective, I was pleasantly surprised by the eShop. The Switch eShop started pretty straightforward before years of shovelware, an unusually large amount of AI hentai-forward games, and an abysmal load rate turned it into my least favorite video game software anything ever. I despised using the eShop. That’s why I’m so thrilled with the Switch 2 eShop. It’s easier to use, clean, and loads fast. Scrolling doesn’t feel like trudging through oatmeal anymore, and the visibility of games is nice. Here’s hoping it remains that way. – Wesley LeBlanc, senior associate editor</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/05/b4cc2b5a/nintendoswitch2_hw_09.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt class="image-style-body-default"> <p>While I haven't spent much time playing the console yet, I've immediately fallen in love with the improved Joy-Cons. As fun as the gimmick of detaching controllers is, it always felt a little stressful on the base Switch. It's especially stressful to accidentally attach a Joy-Con 1 upside down, forcing you to do an uncomfortably forceful ejection that I was sure would destroy my handheld forever. The new magnets on the Joy-Con 2, however, feel fantastic. It's more secure than I expected and even more intuitive than the last iteration. Also, magnets are just fun to play with! There aren't many instances in my day-to-day life when magnets are relevant, so the sheer sensation of attaching and removing the controllers fills me with an odd childlike wonder. I've no clue how durable they'll be over time – I especially hope Nintendo has fixed the notorious drift problem – but for now, they are a welcome improvement. – Charles Harte, associate editor</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/05/f0f144a0/the_game_informer_show_web_right_color.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/letter-from-the-editor/2025/03/25/game-informer-is-back">Alongside the rest of the magazine and website</a>, The Game Informer Show podcast took an unexpected hiatus last year. We've been hard at work getting our feet back under us, making lots of behind-the-scenes efforts on the website, and working toward bringing back the physical magazine. It's kept us busy!</p><p>But ahead of the magazine officially returning, Summer Game Fest activities, and the launch of Switch 2, we wanted to make sure we had an outlet to share our conversations and have you listen in. Alex Van Aken, Marcus Stewart, Charles Harte, and I have the first episode in the can where we talk about the shutdown and how it affected us, what we've been playing, and lots more.</p><p>That episode isn't available <em>quite</em> yet, but we wanted to make sure you know where to subscribe to the show when the first episode drops on Friday, June 6.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" style="border-radius:10px;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;width:100%;" allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-informer-show-returns-tomorrow/id335246945?i=1000711693262"></iframe></p><p>You can find some direct links below or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/gameinformer">watch a video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel</a>. You can also search for The Game Informer Show wherever you listen to podcasts.</p><p>We're looking forward to your feedback!</p><ul><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-informer-show/id335246945">Apple Podcasts</a></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2EWTEHrbZpNRAboYLimAhu">Spotify</a></li></ul> <a class="spreaker-player optanon-category-C0004" href="https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-game-informer-show-returns-tomorrow--66408040" data-resource="episode_id=66408040" data-width="100%" data-height="200px" data-theme="light" data-playlist="false" data-playlist-continuous="false" data-chapters-image="true" data-episode-image-position="right" data-hide-logo="true" data-hide-likes="true" data-hide-comments="true" data-hide-sharing="false" data-hide-download="true" data-title="The Game Informer Show Returns Tomorrow" data-color="3c59e0">Listen to "The Game Informer Show Returns Tomorrow" on Spreaker.</a>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/04/829c1b7b/ghost_of_yotei_1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ghost of Yotei Sucker Punch Productions PlayStation 5 State of Play July " typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>PlayStation has announced that it will hold a Ghost of Yōtei gameplay deep dive State of Play next month. It did so at the end of a quick cinematic trailer for the game shown during <em>today's</em> State of Play showcase.&nbsp;</p><p>During the cinematic trailer, we see protagonist Atsu overlooking a village, talking to someone. A few seconds later, she asks that person if they're ready, and we learn she was talking to a fearsome wolf. It seems this wolf will be Atsu's companion throughout her journey in Ghost of Yōtei.&nbsp;</p><p>You can check out the teaser below:&nbsp;</p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qRiTEkU3Utg" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="true">&nbsp;</iframe><p>While waiting for July's Ghost of Yōtei State of Play showcase, read up on the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2025/04/23/ghost-of-yotei-release-date-set-for-october-collectors-edition-revealed">Ghost of Yōtei preorder details.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/ghost-of-yotei">&nbsp;Ghost of Yōtei</a> launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2.&nbsp;</p><p><em>What do you hope to see in next month's State of Play? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2025/06/04/065b6ea7/MARVEL%20T%C5%8Dkon_%20Fighting%20Souls%20_%20Announce%203.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Arc Systems Works is teaming with Marvel for its next fighting game. Dubbed Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, players can throw down as their favorite Marvel heroes and villains next year.</p><p>Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls raises the tag team stakes by pitting two teams of four characters against each other, who can be tagged in and out of combat on the fly. That makes for a whopping eight characters flying in and out of action each round. Fighting Souls features fast-paced action in titles such as Dragon Ball: FighterZ and BlazBlue, including flashy special attacks and cinematic finishing moves. Aesthetically, Marvel’s most popular characters are reimagined in Arc’s signature cel-shaded style and have distinctly Japanese flair, such as Iron Man’s more mecha-inspired suit.</p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6fbfrV5qqnU" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="true">&nbsp;</iframe><p>We don't know the full roster yet, but the trailer confirmed the following characters:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Spider-Man</li><li>Captain America</li><li>Iron Man</li><li>Storm</li><li>Doctor Doom</li><li>Star-Lord</li><li>Ms. Marvel</li><li>Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes)</li></ul><p>Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is being published by PlayStation Studios and is coming to PlayStation 5 and PC in 2026.&nbsp;</p>