Following the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan, Xenoblade Chronicles series developer Monolith Soft announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the studio aided development of Mario Kart World. Specifically, Monolith Soft was contracted by Nintendo to help work on the world and character designs of Mario Kart World.
Monolith Soft also released the version 2.2.1 update for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 with “several adjustments” to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2. The patch notes for the new update don’t elaborate further on what exactly has been improved for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 on Nintendo Switch 2, however.
It’s worth noting that a day one patch for Mario Kart World, also known as update 1.1.0, is already available now. Mario Kart World update 1.1.0 brings support for CameraPlay, online play, LAN play, and other useful features that players will want to use in the game, such as uploading or downloading ghost data in Time Trials.
Nintendo previously published an extensive “Ask the Developer” interview with the development team of Mario Kart World, revealing that the game was first planned for the original Nintendo Switch. Due to hardware limitations, the project was able to be fully realized when it moved to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2020.
Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5 worldwide for $449.99. A bundle will be available for $499.99 featuring Mario Kart World. Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 at Best Buy, Walmart and Target went live on April 24 and quickly sold out within just a few hours. However, Nintendo and other retailers will periodically replenish stock leading into launch. Other games like Cyberpunk 2077 and upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will also be available.
