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Mario Kart World Has Some Fantastic SNES-Era Throwback Tracks You Need To Try Out
Make like it's Mode 7 and burn some digital rubber on these 1992 throwbacks

The 394 P-Switch challenge missions might be the most time-consuming activities in Mario Kart World’s Free Roam mode. These missions can range from collecting a specific number of blue coins to maneuvering through an obstacle course using a certain item. Notably, there are seven short three-lap tribute races based on tracks from the original Super Mario Kart, which made its debut in 1992 on the SNES.

The 394 P-Switch challenges are more akin to checkpoint races in other P-Switch challenges rather than traditional races where finishing first is the objective. Moreover, locating these challenges can be quite difficult. The lack of detailed information on the Free Roam map complicates the process of finding specific locations. Let’s explore which classic tracks are included and where to locate these challenges.

Koopa Beach 1

Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku
Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku

Start by fast traveling to the Koopa Troopa Beach course and drive straight ahead. Continue moving forward until you reach Yoshi’s drive-thru, then take a left at the first small island with two trees. Drive into the P-Switch up ahead to initiate the tribute race.


Vanilla Lake 1

Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku
Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku

This challenge is located on the path connecting Sky-High Sundae and Wario Shipyard. You can begin from either place, but the quickest route is to fast travel to Wario. He navigates the area and will start right in front of the track when you take control. The P-Switch that kicks off the tribute race is located after circling to the other side.

Due to modifications in the recreation, the challenge is labeled as “Vanilla Lake” instead of referencing a specific track. Nonetheless, it’s evident that Vanilla Lake 1 is the main inspiration.


Choco Island 1

Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku
Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku

Fast travel to Choco Mountain and then turn around. Drive through the small tunnel and proceed straight onto the paved road. You’ll arrive at a looped path encircled by mud, Piranha Plants, and large colorful blocks. Take the left path to soon find a P-Switch that starts the Choco Island 1 tribute race mission.


Choco Island 2

Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku
Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku

The second track of the series is closer than expected. Fast travel to Choco Mountain and move forward this time. Follow the dirt path until you reach a fork in the road, once again surrounded by Piranha Plants and colorful blocks. Keep right and continue until you encounter the P-Switch.


Ghost Valley 1

Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku
Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku

This brings us to the final set of Super Mario Kart tribute races. Longtime fans might already recognize them, especially as they’re all close to each other. Fast travel to Boo Cinema and start driving left immediately. Descend the wide staircase and proceed to the P-Switch on the pier ahead.


Ghost Valley 2

Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku
Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku

You’ll need to go just a bit further to reach the next one. Instead of going down the staircase and activating the P-Switch ahead, turn right and follow the pier. Continue until you can turn right again. Drive forward to find the P-Switch for the Ghost Valley 2 tribute.


Ghost Valley 3

Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku
Screenshot: Nintendo / Samuel Moreno / Kotaku

This one is even simpler to reach. After descending the staircase and reaching the pier, turn left and drive briefly down and out of the poison swamp. Near the end of this straight path, you’ll find the P-Switch for Ghost Valley 3.

In case you’re wondering, yes, these tracks are playable in Mirror Mode too. Activate it in Free Roam mode to tackle a mirrored version of these tribute races.


Mario Kart World is now available exclusively on Switch 2.

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