Mario Kart World Defaults to Smart Steering—Here’s How to Turn It Off

The release of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 has introduced the default Smart Steering controls, which help gamers stay on track during races. While useful for newcomers to the game, this feature can hinder experienced players looking to explore shortcut opportunities. Fortunately, players can easily disable Smart Steering by pausing during a race or in the vehicle selection screen and hitting the X button. Other control options also return from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, including Auto-Accelerate, Auto-Use Item, and Tilt Controls. Early reactions to the game have been mixed, with some praising the new Knockout Tour mode while others find the open-world aspect underwhelming.

To turn off Smart Steering in Mario Kart World, pause the game during a race or Free Roam and press X, or do this from the vehicle selection screen prior to starting a race.

Mario Kart World marks an evolution in the beloved franchise, built on the success of its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Initially developed for the original Switch, the game features better performance on the Switch 2, enabling a smooth 60 frames per second. With the introduction of new modes and enhanced graphics, Mario Kart World aims to capture both longtime fans and new players, offering an expansive racing experience unlike any before.