Mario Kart World

Cons

1. Microtransactions and Pay-to-Win Elements

While the game is free-to-start or low-cost, many premium kart parts, characters, and skins are locked behind paywalls or racing passes. This leads to:

• A pay-to-win perception in competitive modes

• A split between free and premium users

• Some items giving players actual stat boosts, not just cosmetic value

This weakens the balance in ranked play.

2. Steep Learning Curve for New Players

Compared to earlier Mario Kart titles, Mario Kart World introduces complex mechanics such as:

• Advanced drifting and mini-turbos

• Real-time item management

• Track-specific strategies

New players may struggle to keep up unless they invest time into training, which can be discouraging.

3. Inconsistent Matchmaking

Despite smart systems, matchmaking is not always accurate:

• Newer players can end up in lobbies with high-ranked pros

• Regional restrictions sometimes cause lag or unbalanced skill brackets

• Ranked mode suffers from smurf accounts (high skill players creating low-level profiles)

4. Server Issues and Lag

Because the game supports cross-platform play and 24-player races, some players experience:

• Lag spikes during crowded moments

• Disconnections mid-race

• Long matchmaking times, especially in less active regions

Even with cloud support, Nintendo’s online infrastructure isn’t always stable.

5. Seasonal FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

With limited-time characters, skins, and events, players who miss a season lose access to exclusive content forever, creating pressure to:

• Log in regularly

• Complete all event challenges on time

• Purchase the racing pass to stay competitive

This can be exhausting for casual gamers.