The latest installment in Nintendo's beloved racing franchise, Mario Kart World, has sparked debate among its player base regarding a significant change to its multiplayer interface. Unlike its predecessors Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the new title no longer displays national flags indicating players' countries of origin in online lobbies.

Released on June 5 as a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch 2 alongside Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Mario Kart World has generally received positive reception for its innovative open-world exploration blended with classic racing mechanics. However, this particular design choice has created a noticeable divide within the community.

Many veteran players have expressed disappointment on platforms like Reddit, recalling how the flag feature allowed them to showcase national pride and appreciate the game's global reach. Some compared the experience to the Olympics, where seeing competitors from different countries added excitement. Particularly notable was the thrill (and sometimes dread) of facing lobbies dominated by Japanese players, known for their exceptional Mario Kart skills.

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However, not all players view the change negatively. Some community members have pointed out that the flag system previously led to instances of location-based harassment. Others mentioned representation issues, like players from Ireland being incorrectly flagged under the UK's Union Jack, or residents of unsupported countries being defaulted to the US flag.

The absence of Miis as default profile pictures has also drawn attention. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was celebrated for its robust Mii integration, allowing players to race customized avatars alongside iconic Mushroom Kingdom characters. Their reduced presence in Mario Kart World has left some fans longing for more personalization options.