Since its inception in 1992, the Mario Kart franchise has reigned as the definitive social racing experience. Whether it’s a late-night dorm session or a competitive family gathering, the call for a race is rarely ignored. However, the landscape in 2025 has shifted dramatically; while the red plumber’s dominance was once absolute, a new wave of high-caliber kart racers is challenging his place on the podium.
After more than a decade of relying on Mario Kart 8, Nintendo finally unleashed Mario Kart World. While some critics argue that its foray into open-world exploration feels slightly under-realized, the moment-to-moment mechanics remain peerless. The real revelation, however, is the “Knockout Tour” mode. This high-stakes elimination format pits 24 racers against one another, systematically pruning the bottom four at specific intervals until a final quartet remains. It’s a brilliant injection of adrenaline that makes every checkpoint feel like a finish line, quickly becoming a preferred alternative to the traditional Grand Prix.
Beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, the genre is enjoying a massive renaissance. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has emerged as perhaps the finest non-Mario racer of the current generation. It captures the sense of blistering speed essential to the brand; thanks to a generous boost system, players are never truly out of the running, allowing for dramatic last-second surges from the back of the pack to the winner’s circle.
Where CrossWorlds truly shines is in its technical depth. It offers a level of mechanical customization that Mario Kart World lacks, inviting players to obsess over part synergies and aesthetic flourishes. Since its launch on the Nintendo Switch 2, I’ve spent hours experimenting with different builds—initially gravitating toward Silver the Hedgehog before fully embracing the chaotic energy of Sonic the Werehog.
The year also saw the release of Garfield Kart 2: All You Can Drift. While it may lack the prestige of its peers, it remains a surprisingly polished title supported by imaginative track design. It doesn’t aim to disrupt the genre, but rather provides a comforting, familiar experience that honors the fundamentals of kart racing.
However, the true standout of 2025 is Kirby Air Riders. More than just a simple racer, this sequel-slash-remake of the GameCube cult classic is a masterclass in vehicular combat. While crossing the finish line is the objective, the journey involves inhaling enemies to weaponize copy abilities—launching plasma bolts, swinging swords, and firing missiles to dismantle your rivals mid-flight.
The brilliance of Kirby Air Riders lies in its controlled chaos. It offers a diverse suite of modes that cater to different playstyles, from the frantic top-down sprints of “Top Ride” to the legendary “City Trial.” In City Trial, players roam a sprawling map to scavenge for stat upgrades before being thrust into a randomized final challenge. It is an intoxicating gameplay loop that is nearly impossible to put down.
While Mario Kart World currently enjoys a massive install base on the Switch 2, Kirby Air Riders is the dark horse poised to steal the crown. In a year defined by fierce competition, the pink puffball’s unique brand of carnage might just be the new gold standard for game night.
Source: Polygon
