Mario Kart World is easily the biggest entry in Nintendo’s long-running racer series. Twenty-four characters face off in chaotic ‘Grand Prix’ races and the sprawling ‘Free Roam’ mode lets you investigate every corner of the huge open-world map. The Switch 2’s marquee launch title also comes crammed with different cars, bikes and trikes to try out – as well as a bumper soundtrack of absolute bangers to listen to while doing so.
Every one of the 29 courses in Mario Kart World has its own unique anthem and each route between them comes with its own catchy score. In total, that’s more than 200 different tracks in the plucky plumber’s impressive jukebox.
“We want players to stay engaged with this vast world for a long time without getting bored and hope the soundtrack will support those efforts,” explained Nintendo’s Atsuko Ashai in a recent developer Q+A. “We poured a lot of effort into each and every song. Our goal was to create distinctive music that’s fun just to listen to while driving around.” Heck, we’ve even started parking up to enjoy the music without the infuriating background engine whirr.
Unfortunately, until they’re available to stream via Nintendo Music, the only way to enjoy these trackside tunes is by playing the game (or, if you’re a bit naughty, firing up a cheeky YouTube rip). To make things a little easier to locate in-game, we’ve listed the biggest hits in Mario Kart World (and where to find them) below:
‘Underground BGM’ (Flamenco remix)
Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’
‘Underground BGM’ is one of the oldest Mario themes going. It was first found in the underground areas of 1985’s Super Mario Bros. and has featured in virtually every Mario game since. World delivers a funky update on a classic though with this Flamenco remix. The guitar can still be heard playing the familiar tune but around it, Nintendo has created an upbeat, carefree anthem that’s sunnier than a shine sprite. Sunglasses at the ready!
Perfect for… zipping around Koopa Troopa Beach
‘Mario Kart World Main Theme’
Where to hear it: on the game’s title screen
Country music has never been more popular. Global megastars Beyoncé and Chappell Roan have introduced a little yee-haw to their polished pop in recent months and folksy anthems from Noah Kahan, Alex Warren and Gigi Perez are all over the radio. Wanting to get in on the action, Mario Kart World’s main theme is a barn-yard stomper that’s ideal for lassoing cows in Moo Moo Meadows. We’ve already heard it far too many times and we still can’t get enough.
Perfect for… starting your engines
‘Rainbow Road Theme’
Where to hear it: Rainbow Road (duh)
The only hidden circuit in Mario Kart World is unlocked after you’ve won all six ‘Grand Prix’ cups. Your reward is a glorious reimagining of one of the most iconic tracks around and its suitably extravagant soundtrack. As we’ve come to expect from Rainbow Road, the new score plays out like an epic saga – euphoric one moment, intense and troubling the next. It’s a tricky circuit to nail but the music makes the entire journey feel magical – even if you end up limping over the finish line in last place.
Perfect for… turning a terrible day around
‘Bowser’s Castle Theme’
Where to hear it: Bowser’s Castle
As soon as you drive up to Bowser’s Castle, you can feel the heat. There are rivers of lava, exploding fireballs and even a giant version of Mario’s archenemy made out of flames. Cranking up the temperature even more is a spicy, speed metal anthem that gives the scorching circuit an extra degree or two of danger.
Perfect for… headbanging in your Bowser Bruiser
‘Overworld Theme (Ska remix)’
Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater fans might be annoyed that the soundtrack for the upcoming 3+4 is missing a lot of classic songs, but ska is alive and well in Mario Kart World. It takes guts to give the most recognisable theme in gaming history and major makeover but this new version of the first bit of music you hear in the original Super Mario Bros. is even more joyful thanks to the addition of trumpets and sax.
Perfect for… embracing the rhythm (and wearing a shirt with flames on it)
‘Koopa Troopa Beach Theme’
Where to hear it: Koopa Troopa Beach
There are some amazing remixes of vintage Mario Kart themes in World, but the most surprising might be the EDM reworking of Koopa Troopa Beach. The song was first introduced as part of 1992’s Super Mario Kart and while this new version still has the same chirpy, upbeat vibe of the 16-bit original, it’s a far more pulsating, urgent electro banger.
Perfect for… that Mario Kart warehouse rave you’ve been planning
‘Vancouver Velocity’
Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’
Like a lot of mobile games, 2019’s Mario Kart Tour was a watered-down version of the real deal. The races might not have been as fun but the soundtrack had a couple of gems – such as ‘Vancouver Velocity’. A new version of the ‘90s house track features in World and is even more euphoric than the original. From the vibey piano intro to the pulsating electronic bass, it wouldn’t sound out of place on Dua Lipa’s latest album.
Perfect for… the ‘Radical Optimism’ you need for ‘Knockout’ mode
‘Baby Park’
Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’
As big as Mario Kart World is, there are still a few classic circuits missing from the game – some fans are already campaigning for the chaotic Baby Park to make a return. But while we wait for Nintendo to listen to their very reasonable (we think) demands, there’s a hectic dubstep remix of the original GameCube theme to enjoy. It sounds like Skrillex competing at Eurovision and it’s somehow even more bonkers than that description.
Perfect for… racking up a tricky combo of grinds and wall-rides
‘Dino Dino Jungle’
Where to hear it: Dino Dino Jungle
The relatively relaxed theme from Double Dash’s Dino Dino Jungle has been given a funky makeover for World. Featuring frantic drums that would have made a Donkey Konga player quake over their bongos and free-spirited guitar riff that was clearly inspired by Prince, this groovy little number is the perfect soundtrack to Mario Kart’s take on Jurassic Park. How else would you have the confidence to out-run a T. rex and use other terrible lizards to kickstart some kart parkour.
Perfect for… partying like it’s 1999
‘Yoshi’s Island Theme’
Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’
There are a lot of big driving anthems on the soundtrack to World, which makes sense for a big driving game. But there are also moments of beauty and tranquility to be found in the glorious expanse of the open-world. If you get far enough away from the hustle and bustle, the jukebox algorithm might throw up this newly-polished version of the opening melody from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. A pretty, delicate, piano-led number, it’s the sort of intimate song that may bring a tear to your eye.
Perfect for… getting away from it all