One vehicle in Mario Kart World has already become a popular pick among players, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Mario Kart World has a wide selection of vehicles to accompany its colorful cast of characters. The list includes karts and bikes, alongside a few more unique vehicles like the Junkyard Hog and Stellar Sled. However, even with so many vehicles to choose from, one has already become a very popular choice in the short time since the game's release. And though this vehicle does have its merits, it's far from being the only valid contender.
Alongside Mario Kart World's characters, vehicles are one half of the formula when it comes to determining performance. Just like the characters, every vehicle has its own set of stats to take into account. The four listed stats are:
- Speed: The vehicle's maximum speed Acceleration: How quickly they gain speed
- Weight: How much they get bounced around by collisions
- Handling: How sharply they can turn
Mixing-and-matching drivers and vehicles gives players plenty of possible combinations. Even drivers and vehicles with completely opposite stats can be paired together. Thanks to this, players can fine-tune their planned approach to each race before hitting the track.
Mario Kart World Subtly Broke Some Franchise Traditions
Mario Kart World challenges the franchise's status quo in a lot of ways, some of which are significantly less obvious than others.
Mario Kart World's Baby Blooper is Popular, But Not the Perfect Kart
The Baby Blooper is a Well-Balanced Kart in Mario Kart World
In a fashion similar to Mario Kart World's fan-favorite Cow, the Baby Blooper has quickly emerged as a popular vehicle choice. The Baby Blooper is rather similar to the Standard Kart, albeit with slightly more accelleration while sacrificing a little speed and weight. This stat distribution makes it one of the most middle-of-the-road karts in the game. It doesn't reach for the stars in any area, but it also doesn't have any significant weaknesses. In particular, the combination of Wario with the Baby Blooper has become popular for how well-balanced their combined stats are. While its usage isn't overwhelming, it's an early competitive choice.
Another famed instance of a cart-driver combination becoming mainstream is Funky Kong on the Flame Runner from Mario Kart Wii.
The Baby Blooper is Not Outstanding in Any Area
While the Baby Blooper has decent all-around stats in Mario Kart World, its lack of specialization could keep it from excelling the way that some other vehicles may be able to. For example, Bowser on the Stellar Sled is very fast and heavy with poor acceleration and handling in return. Conversely, Swoop on the Tune Thumper can accelerate rapidly and take very sharp turns, but is slow and light. Either of these combinations can see great dividents on certain tracks, or once a player masters how they feel to drive. The baby Blooper with its all-around stats does not offer the same risk-reward.
Mario Kart World Has Several Factors To Consider Aside From Statistics
There are also some factors unrelated to pure statistics. Items in Mario Kart World are more plentiful than ever thanks to the field of 24 drivers. The sheer randomness that items present means that even a vehicle with perfect stats is still vulnerable to a Blue Shell or Lightning strike. Sheer stats alone can't count for that. Likewise, personal taste will always be present. Some players simply won't be interested in the Baby Blooper for one reason or another, and look to other vehicles more suited to their aesthetic tastes. The Baby Blooper is good, sure, but it won't always be a perfect fit.
The Baby Blooper is just one of Mario Kart World's vehicles. With so many unlockables in Mario Kart World, there is a wealth of character and kart combinations worth testing. While the Baby Blooper is a decent kart for most situations, it's far from the only vehicle that players can perform well with. Considering how new the game is, there is still plenty of time for players to experiment further. Ultimately, though the Baby Blooper is a fine choice, but it won't be the best kart for everyone in Mario Kart World.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- June 5, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
Hit the open road with Mario and friends! Zip around courses in a vast world where everything is connected. Race along grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, big ol' volcanos, and more—plus everything in between.
A sprawling world of courses. Speed across plains, cities, water, volcanos, and much more. Everything is connected!
Go beyond the course. There's more to racing than just the course. Hop off the course and race the distance to the next one!
Free Roam - Drive wherever your heart takes you. Where to? That's up to you! Take off in any direction in this new mode. Explore areas that pique your interest, and maybe even snap some in-game pics at scenic spots.
Play Together - Have a blast with friends, whether near or far. Up to 4 players can race on the same system. Play using your choice of button controls or motion controls. Attach a Joy-Con 2 controller to the optional Joy-Con 2 wheel accessory to wheely feel like you're driving. You can also play using Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers connected wirelessly.
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
