Hori’s New Mario Kart World Wheels Are the Perfect Fit for the Switch 2

Hori’s Mario Kart World Racing Wheels have finally hit the shelves, and these officially licensed accessories are exactly what Nintendo’s initial offerings should have been. Each wheel is designed to reflect a specific racer, including Mario, Princess Peach, and Yoshi, showcasing their signature color schemes along with unique details like character emblems and artwork on the back—definitely a significant upgrade from the earlier wheels released this year.

Announced on Hori’s official social media on November 20 with a vague “available soon” release date, I’ve spotted the Nintendo Switch 2 accessories priced at $14.99 each at various US retailers, currently available in both Mario and Princess Peach designs. In the UK, they’re set to arrive on December 19, but eager fans can pre-order them, including the Yoshi variant, if you’re as excited as I am to take them for a spin.

The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel for Nintendo Switch 2 (Mario) is available for just $14.99 today, making it the perfect companion for Mario Kart World. Unlike the black/red and black/blue color schemes of Nintendo’s official Joy-Con wheel set, this wheel sports a vibrant red and blue design that mirrors Mario’s iconic overalls, complete with artwork of Mario on the back. Plus, it’s backwards compatible with the original Switch Joy-Con controllers.

If you prefer something a bit more stylish, the Peach version is also available for $14.99. This wheel features a lovely peachy-pink color, adorned with a crown emblem and artwork of Princess Peach on the back. Like the Mario version, it’s also compatible with older Joy-Con controllers.

The first official set of Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con wheel attachments launched alongside the gaming handheld on June 5. While the initial offerings weren’t the worst accessories out there, I really wish we had these Hori versions from the start. The theming is spot on, with the Mario model reflecting his classic red and blue palette.

What I love about these wheels goes beyond just the colors. Each wheel has a small Mario emblem on the front and a charming piece of artwork on the back, reminiscent of 2D Mario art, featuring Mario in his kart. Each character’s wheel has its own unique design elements; for instance, Peach’s wheel is dressed in her signature pink, complete with her crown emblem and a cute illustration of her on her bike, while the Yoshi version, which can be pre-ordered for £12.99 in the UK, boasts its own distinct artwork.

I definitely prefer these to Hori’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe wheels for the original Switch, which were limited to just red and black. These new versions not only look great but also feature large, easy-to-press SL and SR buttons, enhancing the single Joy-Con experience, along with a textured grip for added comfort. What impresses me the most is their backwards compatibility.

Hori’s Mario Kart Wheels are designed to fit both Switch 2 Joy-Con and the Joy-Con from the original and OLED Switch, allowing you to use your older controllers while enjoying Mario Kart World. This is made possible by the two visible ridges in each wheel that accommodate either generation of Joy-Con, a thoughtful design choice that ensures everyone can enjoy these fun wheels, even if they haven’t upgraded to the Switch 2 yet.

Whether you’re looking to use them now for Mario Kart World on the Switch 2 or for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe until you’re ready to make the leap, they’re currently available in the US at various retailers, while those in the UK can pre-order them ahead of the December 19 launch. The Yoshi model is currently marked as “unavailable” in the US, but I’ll keep you updated when it becomes available.