Mario Kart World's controls are pretty important, given that they're how you make your way around the track. So, we're here to give you a quick rundown on what each button does so you can better prepare yourself to hit the course; we're also on hand to tell you about the various Mario Kart World settings and how they can impact your game.
Once you learn the controls, you need to see what the best Mario Kart World karts are to help keep you from flying off the Mario Kart World tracks - especially the Mario Kart World Rainbow Road course, which is just as difficult as you'd expect it to be. It doesn't matter which Mario Kart World character you are, you still have a good chance of falling off the edge if you're not careful. Then, there's the Mario Kart World items; we lost a few races to some of those in our Mario Kart World review.
Mario Kart World controls
Here are the MKW controls for both the Switch 2 Joy-Cons and the Switch 2 Pro Controller:
| Button | Action |
| + | Pause / settings |
| - | Photo mode |
| A | Accelerate |
| B | Brake / reverse |
| X | Rear view |
| Y | World map |
| L / ZL | Use item |
| R / ZR | Drift / hold for charged jump |
| Lefy joystick | Steer |
| Right joystick | Camera |
| Down / left on the D-Pad | Rewind |
Here are the MKW controls when you're using one Joy-Con:
| Button | Action |
| + / - | Pause / settings |
| Right | Accelerate |
| Left | Brake / reverse |
| Up | Rear view |
| Down | World map |
| SL | Use item |
| SR | Drift / hold for charged jump |
| Joystick | Steer |
Mario Kart World settings
There are numerous settings that can have an impact on your gameplay in Mario Kart World.
Here are all the MKW settings:
| Setting | Description |
| Smart Steering | Smart steering keeps you on the track, helping to prevent you from going off the edge |
| Auto-Use Item | Your character uses your item automatically |
| Tilt Controls | You can tilt your controller to control your kart |
| Auto-Accelerate | Your kart accelerates automatically, eliminating the need for you to hold down the accelerate button |
| Dash Food | You can decide whether or not Dash Food transforms your character or just gives you a boost |
How to grind in Mario Kart World
To grind in Mario Kart World, you just need to hold down the jump button (R / ZR) without steering, otherwise you'll drift, and then release it when next to a rail you want to grind on. If you do it correctly, you'll land on the rail. Grinding is new to Mario Kart World, and it just might be what helps you squeak out a narrow victory.
That's everything you need to know about the Mario Kart World controls and settings. To strengthen your MKW knowledge further, go and check out what all of the Mario Kart World items do and see what you need to do to get the various Mario Kart World unlockables, including the Mario Kart World costumes and stickers, both of which require you to be familiar with the Mario Kart World free roam mode.