“That’s all it has to offer?” – Fans laugh as first look at ‘Mario Kart World’ drops

The first official look at Mario Kart World just dropped, and fans are already losing their minds for better or worse. Nintendo has confirmed that this new installment will feature races with up to 24 drivers and the ability to drive off-course and explore the map. Oh, and it’s launching on the same day as the highly anticipated Switch 2.

On paper, this sounds like an exciting evolution of the Mario Kart franchise. But this is the internet, and people were quick to respond with a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and absolute clownery. From folks begging for a Double Dash comeback to those realizing they need 23 friends to make the most of it, the reactions are exactly as unhinged as you'd expect.

Mario Kart World's first look sparks a meme fest

Nintendo fans are some of the most passionate (and loudest) voices on the internet, so it’s no surprise that the first look at Mario Kart World became an instant meme factory. The announcement post quickly racked up thousands of comments, with some praising the open-world-like feature and others wondering if that was really all Nintendo had to offer.

One of the biggest talking points? The 24-player races. While this sounds like chaos in the best way, it also led people to do some quick math on their social circles. Spoiler alert: Most people don’t have 23 other friends who own a Switch.

Then there’s the open-world exploration. For years, Mario Kart players have been conditioned to stay on the track (except for that one friend who always finds the shortcuts). Now, being able to drive around the map freely is either a revolutionary idea or a recipe for getting lost mid-race.

The comments section is where the magic truly happens. While some fans are hyped about the new features, others are a little... skeptical.

A user summed up the nostalgia factor perfectly:

“The nostalgia is real.”

Nintendo does have a habit of tugging on our childhood memories just enough to make our wallets open on their own.

Then there are those who still haven’t emotionally moved on from Double Dash.

A heartbroken fan pleaded:

“Just give us another Double Dash, I beg!”

To be fair, the two-character kart system was ahead of its time. Maybe Nintendo is just waiting for the perfect moment to break our hearts again.

Meanwhile, some players are already worried about how they’re going to make the most of a 24-player race.

A lonely gamer lamented:

“Now I just have to find 23 friends.”

Nintendo is really out here exposing people with questionable social skills.

On the flip side, some players are fully on board with the new open-world aspect.

A thrilled user declared:

“Open-world Mario Kart? I’m sold.”

Because nothing screams “intense competition” like aimlessly driving off into the distance instead of finishing the race.

Whether you love it, hate it, or just wish it came with a Double Dash DLC, Mario Kart World is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. The combination of massive races and free-roam driving could be a game-changer or a chaotic mess. Either way, it’s definitely keeping Nintendo fans entertained in the comment sections.

With its launch lined up with the Switch 2, Mario Kart World might just be the start of a whole new era for the franchise. Or, at the very least, the start of some truly legendary online races (and friendships ruined over blue shells).

So, who’s ready to drift into the unknown? And more importantly, does anyone actually have 23 friends?