25 Mother's Day Gifts From Target You Basically Can't Go Wrong With
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
If you usually just buy Mom a gift certificate...we've got you covered.
1. An Our Place ceramic nonstick Always pan that's gonna be a slam-dunk for any mom who loves to cook or just loves cool kitchen products. Though the cult-favorite cookware is beloved for its cool monochrome look, it's also mega-useful: it can be used for baking, broiling, frying, steaming, braising, searing, and more. All that *and* it looks amazing sitting on her stove top? You have once again won the "Favorite Child" award.
Target
Set includes an Always Pan 2.0 in original nonstick, a modular, steam-release lid, a nesting beechwood spatula, and a steamer basket and colander.
Promising review:"I love the quality of the pan and lid. The nonstick ceramic surface works beautifully. The pan heats evenly, and food cooks efficiently." — Christina
2. A Theragun massage gun because you're not always around when she needs a shoulder rub. The percussive massage tool has three attachments, plus an easy-to-hold triangle handle, so your mom can melt away her muscle tension with literally zero effort.
Target
Promising review: " I bought this as a gift for my son for Christmas, but one day my sciatica was acting up and I asked to borrow it. Just a few minutes of use gave me hours of relief." — Justme
3. A Nintendo Switch for the mom who loves gaming — or the gaming-curious mom who sees you having fun playing, but isn't sure where to start herself. This + Luigi's Mansion 3 = possibly the most fun Mother's Day hangout of all time.
Target
Promising review:"We like the Switch so far! I like having controller options. Obviously, the graphics get better and better with every Nintendo update. So far, we've purchased Mario Kart, Luigi's Mansion 3, and Super Mario Odyssey. It's something fun my husband and I like to do together. Great purchase!" — Mandy
4. A bamboo bath caddy so your mom can take a relaxing and well-deserved soak in the tub without worrying about her book or phone meeting an untimely end in those soapy waters below.
Target
Promising review:"I'm in college, and my only relaxing time is in the bath. I can now read a book or prop my iPad up and relax in the bath. It's so convenient, and I can also have room for my phone, a candle, and a drink!!" — HannahGrace
5. A robotic vacuum and mop for the mom who loves having a clean house...but would love not to be the one who makes it clean. (Honestly, who DOESN'T this apply to?) This robot mops, dries, and automatically empties its dust tray.
Promising review: " Currently obsessed with this thing. Love it so much. Such an improvement over the last robot vacuum/mop we bought and returned a couple of years ago. So far, I feel it is totally worth the extra money over the other brands. I have especially been surprised at the amount of customization required to clean different areas, from suction power to the rise of carpets and grain direction for wood floors! Also been surprised at it not getting stuck anywhere yet. It can go under and over better than my old robot did. Also, it is much quieter than I expected. I will probably start running the mop at night. The only con is my toddler is afraid of it, lol.!" — ElleB
6. A 30-oz pastel Stanley cup, so she can always stay hydrated no matter how busy her day gets. (Also, how cute would it be if you got the same one and the two of you matched? TWINSIES!)
Target
Promising review: " The cutest color and doesn't get super heavy when filled with ice and a drink! This Stanley is the perfect size for running errands and not weighing down your arm while carrying it." — Dawn
7. A Ninja Creami ice cream maker, because the only thing sweeter than buying your mom a pint of her favorite ice cream is giving her a way to create her brand-new favorite ice cream flavor from scratch. Ben and Jerry, who?
Target
8. A special hardcover edition of Emily Henry's Beach Read, for the mom whose other child is her TBR pile. This edition of the book has a new introduction by the author, a bonus story, and a gorgeous glittery cover and sunset-colored edges — the perfect thing to take on your actual family trip to the beach.
Target
Promising review: " I love Emily Henry. She's such a great author, and I would highly recommend any of her books. I already had Beach Read as a paperback, but when I saw this edition, I knew I had to have it." — aw
9. A wine purifying tool that removes sulfites, aka the things that cause wine headaches. If your mom is an oenophile, might I suggest pairing this with a nice cab franc?
Target
Promising review:"I've owned this purifier for three years. It's awesome. Used to always get headaches from sulfites in red wine, but this took care of that. It doesn't change the taste of the wine, either. It's a little pricey, and you have to buy filters, but if you get bad headaches and love wine, it will be worth it. Their customer service is also top-notch. We accidentally threw away the small red part of the device, contacted the company, and they shipped us a replacement part for free. Five stars all around! Cheers!" — Cat Milgar
10. An ultrasonic skin-scrubbing spatula for the mom whose ideal Friday night involves cracking open a brand-new serum bottle. This handy dandy tool can help deep clean with high-frequency vibrations that lift blackheads, whiteheads, and grime out of the skin and improve product absorption.
Target
Promising reviews:"This does a great job cleaning my skin, I have glass skin after using this product!" — Vickie
11. A breakfast sandwich maker, because your mom deserves breakfast in bed every day...but when you're not around to make it, this sandwich maker (which toasts bread, cooks eggs, and heats ham or bacon) will be the next best thing.
Target
Promising review:"I've been curious about this sandwich maker for a long time but hesitated buying it. I have to say this little gadget is great. It makes a perfect breakfast sandwich and it's so easy to clean. What I really love is you can do other things while the sandwich is cooking which is so helpful for busy mornings." — Hp24601
12. A floral, three-speed Crosley Bluetooth record player that is perfect for moms who held on to their vinyl collection from the '80s and '90s but haven't owned an actual record player since they were in diapers. Bust this portable player out and have her regale you with tales of concerts she went to way before you were born.
Target
Promising review: "The first thing that drew me to this specific record player was the design! Let me tell you, it is even more beautiful in person. I was concerned with the reviews stating it was skipping and the records weren't playing correctly, but I haven't had a single issue with it! I am so glad I didn't listen to those reviews because I would've missed out on a beautiful, well-priced record player!" — Kate
14. A mushroom footstool so your mom can have a place to kick her feet up after a long day and have a new adorable piece of living room decor to give the whole place a touch of funky maximalism.
Target
Promising review:"I got the cream version of this stool, and it far exceeded my expectations. It is large enough to use as a stool for guests on game night, a footstool that I can use to cross my legs on, and to add nice decor to a space. It is easy to clean with a handheld vacuum and has a nice cream color. The base is a dense, firm material, while the top is very squishy and nice to sit on. I am a larger individual, and it is tall and wide enough to comfortably and stably sit on." — Bri
15. A Rifle Paper Co. x Target floral print lamp because the best bouquet you can give your mom is one that will never wilt.
Target
Promising review:"This lamp was perfect for a bedroom refresh! Unsure why some have said the base is light because it's very heavy; it's solid metal. The base is gorgeous, and the printing is perfect — the lampshade is very moody when the lamp is lit, which is great for a bedroom. Overall, I'm incredibly happy with my purchase! Rifle Paper Co. can do no wrong!" — jackalope
16. A weighted knit blanket for the mom who is always looking to discover brand-new levels of coziness. (Hey, like mother, like child, right?)
Target
Promising review:"Oh this is so plush at the fraction of some more big box stores selling them for way more. It's weighted but not uncomfortable, which is why I love it. It doesn't feel like it's crushing you. Anthro looks at Target price? Win-win! Buy it, you won't regret it!" — Hols
17. A coffee maker with iced and latte settings, so your mom can get her caffeine fix just how she likes it, whenever she likes it, without having to wait in an incredibly long line at the coffee shop. (What is that person at the front ordering that's taking so long?? Are they making the barista grow new beans or something??)
Target
Promising review:"I love hot lattes, and this machine makes them great. Love how easy it is to use and love that I don't have to buy coffee pods, which I think create so much waste. The milk frother is a plus as well. It beats using a frothing wand. Highly recommend!" — Reviewgirl50
18. A faux-pearl beaded half-moon clutch purse because it will make your mom look like a million bucks, but luckily, it does not cost a million bucks. I mean, I know you'd spend a million bucks on her if you could, but who has that kind of Mother's Day budget?
Target
Promising review: " Such a cute little bag. It has some weight to it because of the beading, but to me, it looks more expensive than some cheap hollow plastic beads. My beads had no glue or anything on them like a previous reviewer experienced. It fits my iPhone 15 with room for lip gloss and maybe a thin card case. Definitely a dressier look." — LCreports
19. A pickleball beginners kit, so you and mom can pick up a new hobby together. You know the famous saying: the family that gets waaaaay too into pickleball together stays together.
The kit includes two paddles and two balls.
Promising reviews:"We're beginners, and this set is perfect for us. The colors are so pretty in person. So far, we don't have any problem with it; I hope it lasts a long time.😀" — Target customer
"Such a nice set! I've used them a couple of times, and they're great. Perfect start to trying out pickleball." — ap
20. A Bluetooth-enabled Polaroid pocket printer that literally fits in any pocket or bag and can instantly turn any digital photo into a sticker or print. It's a great way for you and your fam to create some new, adorable family portraits together...or a great way for Mom to prank you by printing out 20 copies of your third-grade class photo.
Target
21. A jar of vegan unicorn body butter because it's a major step up from the generic jar of hand lotion we've all given on Mother's Days past. This body butter is vegan, cruelty free, smells like candy, and looks like an actual freakin' rainbow! If your mom loves whimsy and hates dry skin, you've got a winner here.
Target
Promising review:"Love this body butter. It is thick when you first apply, but it soaks in and leaves my skin silky soft! I am also someone who is allergic to most fragrances, but I can use Truly products without a reaction, and it smells amazing!" — Jessica A
22. A 5-quart Ninja air fryer that air fries, bakes, and crisps, so your mom doesn't have to leave the house (or hit up DoorDash) whenever she gets a mozzarella stick craving.
Target
Promising reviews:"It was good enough that I bought one for my mother-in-law for Christmas as well." — Tedward
"It has a great basket to fit in quite a bit, but it's not overly huge on the counter. It is a bit loud, but it cooks well air frys so well! We are really enjoying it so far, and it works great on small potatoes, looking forward to using it even more!" — MrMikeG
Price: $119.99
23. A zodiac candle for the mom who's always emailing you your horoscope — here's a great way to thank her for always giving you a heads up when it's about to be Mercury Retrograde.
24. A retro-looking portable Bluetooth speaker with AM/FM functions because your mom remembers when your grandparents had a radio that looked like this! That old radio, however, could not hook up to their phones and play murder podcasts. The future is now!
Target
Promising review:"I own one and liked it so much, I purchased one as a Christmas present. It's aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It has a great sound and is portable. I use it in my kitchen and on my deck. Very happy with this vintage-looking item." — L2West
Price: $39.99
25. An ultra-modern glass watering can, for anyone whose mom is also a plant mom. But I swear she loves you more than her monstera plant (probably).
Target
Promising review: " Love it on my kitchen shelves and great for watering my indoor plants. I like it so much I bought another one for a gift." — Kaitlin
Price: $20
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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Geek Wire
an hour ago
- Geek Wire
Xbox Ally vs. Nintendo Switch 2: Microsoft enters a handheld console war that lacks actual competition
(Xbox Image) This isn't quite what we expected to see last year, but the ROG Xbox Ally still marks a new chapter in the rapidly developing 'handheld war.' Microsoft's announcement of the Ally during its annual Xbox Showcase broadcast on Sunday only came a few days after Nintendo's release of its latest console, the Switch 2. While it's probably not intentional on Microsoft's part, that does set up a natural clash in the marketplace between the Xbox Ally and the Switch 2. Both are portable gaming systems, and both are major players in the international console market. At almost any other time in console history, this actually would've been a deliberate shot across Nintendo's bow. Microsoft is one of the few players who could actually hope to diminish Nintendo's hammerlock on the portable gaming scene. That's not what this is, however. Microsoft has shown a notable unwillingness to actually compete with Nintendo in recent years, instead preferring to publish former exclusives like Grounded and Hi-Fi Rush on the Switch. Further, the Xbox Ally from the jump is aimed at an established audience of PC gaming enthusiasts. One of its marquee features, in fact, is the ability to consolidate your games library into a single menu via the Xbox app. If you're at all into playing games on your computer, it's easy to end up with a big library spread out across a half-dozen storefronts: Steam, Epic, GOG, Itch, Microsoft Store, Game Pass, etc. As presented, the Ally can keep your entire collection in one easy-to-browse place, although individual games' compatibility with the Ally is not guaranteed. The Xbox Ally is also intended to ship with Copilot for Gaming integrated into the experience, so each Ally will come complete with an AI-powered 'companion.' If you grab the more expensive Ally X, it contains a high-end Ryzen chip that's apparently meant to future-proof the device to some extent against any further AI projects Microsoft might bring to the unit. Those two features are meant to appeal to a couple of specific audiences: people who already primarily play games on their PCs, and serious gadget hounds. The Xbox Ally is a huge new spoke in Microsoft's established 'Play Anywhere' initiative, but much of what it does is there to streamline the experience for people who are already heavily invested in the Xbox gaming platform. At Nintendo's Switch 2 launch event in San Francisco, executive VP Devon Pritchard hands a fan the first Switch 2 unit sold. (Nintendo Image) The Switch 2, by comparison, arguably has a different version of a similar issue. Nintendo famously does not follow the same sales plan with its consoles as Sony or Microsoft, preferring to put out cheaper devices with lower-end tech that can be produced for a per-unit profit. As a result, Nintendo's hardware tends to be dramatically less powerful than its competitors'. The original Switch was already having profound growing pains, as even some games by Nintendo itself (i.e. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet) did not run well on the Switch, especially in its portable mode. The difference is that Nintendo has, well, Nintendo. For 40 years, the biggest reason to buy a Nintendo console is to play Nintendo's exclusive in-house productions like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Super Smash Bros. While some of Nintendo's franchises have appeared on mobile devices recently, the actual marquee titles — Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8, etc. — have never been officially ported to anything besides official Nintendo systems. Unlike Sony, which has begun bringing first-party PlayStation games to PC via Steam in recent years, Nintendo wants you to have to buy its consoles to play its games. I could give you a laundry list of complaints about the Switch as a whole, not least of which is the peculiar and uncharacteristic fragility of its hardware, but Nintendo has always been its own biggest advantage. That does mean that the primary reason to buy a Switch 2 is the promise of whatever new first-party Nintendo games will eventually be released for the system. Like the Xbox Ally, it's already aimed at a specific, established audience: fans of the company's established franchises. The real X-factor in this discussion, however, is the Xbox Ally's price tag. The Switch 2 currently retails for an MSRP of $499.99, and while its launch lineup is fairly weak, it's backwards compatible with most if not all of the existing Switch library. 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Buzz Feed
4 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
25 Disney And Universal Theme Park Essentials
Hey guys! I'm Samar Hadri, a BuzzFeed shopping writer and Orlando, Florida native 🍊. I've been a Disney World *and* Universal Studios Annual Passholder for well over a decade (I may or may not have even gotten married at Disney 😅), so yeah, I'm something of a theme park expert. These are the products that I've tried and can recommend firsthand to make sure your amusement park experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. With these products, you can feel prepared for almost any situation that pops up during a full day of trudging through the parks. First things first, a mid-size sling backpack to carry all of your essentials, while being small enough to fit in the pouch of whichever rides you love the most. With several compartments inside the bag, as well as a front pouch on the strap, you can keep everything incredibly organized to cut down on the time it takes for you to dig for your phone for spontaneous photos or sunscreen for your two-hour reapplications. Plus, it even has mesh pockets for your water bottle and umbrella! A reusable rain poncho for the buckets of water that can suddenly, without warning, drop from the Florida skies. With a long body piece and a big hooded cap, this poncho will keep you dry head to toe. It also comes with a matching carrying case so you don't have to worry about lugging a drenched poncho around the park after your excursion down a "waterfall" at Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom. A four-pack of cooling towels because that Florida sun can be brutal. Just soak it in some cold water at any sink/water fountain, wring it, and place it on your neck for some much-needed relief! These towels will stay chilly for several hours, saving you from having to refresh in every country you pass through in Epcot. Bonus: each towel comes with a carrying pouch and a carabiner clip, so you can just clip it onto your backpack for easy access! A Disney ear holder that clips onto your backpack for the times when your head is tired of propping up those famous Mickey ears (or new Universal headbands!), but you still want them on public display. With the ability to hold up to two ears, this strap is great for parents when your little ones might be over wearing the ears, and you don't want them to take up any space in your bag. A trendy pair of polarized sunglasses to block out the sun's rays while you're enjoying the weather. No need to fear losing these bad boys while aboard Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure at Universal; these polarized glasses (while cute) are extremely affordable, so you can even keep a backup pair on hand in case Fluffy happens to board your ride and run away with your original pair! A handheld fan that will bring some much-needed cooling relief as you trek your way through your favorite rides. Small and compact, with two different speed functions, this fan is a necessity, especially during the height of summer. No need to let the humidity ruin your day, this FAN-tastic device will ensure your vacation remains as cool as can be. (Plus: the fan also works as a backup portable charger!) And a stroller fan so that your little one stays cool in the heat as well! The fan's head can adjust vertically and horizontally in any direction to create the perfect cooling breeze, while also having three speeds so you can ensure your baby is the perfect temperature. Now, the fear of your child overheating can disappear as swiftly as Peter Pan at the sight of an adult! A four-pack of reusable straws because absolutely nobody enjoys the taste of the soggy paper straws that grace every Disney concession stand and restaurant. This straw is collapsible and fits into a small carrying case, which can also be clipped onto your backpack, making it incredibly convenient to carry without feeling like it's taking up some much-needed space. Absolutely perfect for that midday Pandoran Sunrise you'll be happy to sample at Animal Kingdom. A Body Glide anti-chafe balm you'll want to apply liberally before starting your day at Universal City Walk. The last thing you want during your vacation is any pain halting your ability to walk freely through the parks. With this balm, say goodbye to chafing troubles and say hello to magical relief! And an anti-blister foot balm to ease the pain of walking over 10 miles through four different parks, all in a single day. This will add a layer of protection between you and your shoes so you can skip through Diagon Alley with ZERO pain! Vanish the potential of blisters with this balm — even Hermione herself would be jealous of how magical this product seems! A two-pack of reusable snack bags because sometimes hunger pangs hit right in the middle of a line, when exiting to purchase a bite to eat is pretty much impossible. These bags come with a zippered closure and are made from waterproof fabric, so no need to fear the splatters from Tiana's Bayou Adventure tainting your go-to snack. A foldable water bottle that will take up little space and be the hydrating savior of your park day. Buying several bottles of water while inside the park will get expensive FAST, so having a refillable bottle on hand is key, especially when they can roll into a small size so that they don't take up too much room. A much-needed addition to your park essentials when you find yourself incredibly thirsty while waiting to meet Toothless. A 10-pack of mosquito-repellent bracelets you will be incredibly grateful you packed when love-bug season hits Florida. Powered by essential oils such as citronella, these bands can help repel the pests without the need to douse yourself in bug spray several times a day. No mosquito will dare approach you as you embark on your theme park adventures; these bracelets will help keep the creepy-crawlies far, far away! A tube of Neutrogena Ultrasheer SPF 70 sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. This lightweight formula helps prevent sunburn without the heavy finish and is conveniently travel-sized, making it the perfect addition to your pre-Disney routine. With this lotion, the only sun you need to fear is the one that comes barreling toward you on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. A pack of compression socks that can help your circulation, foot swelling, and pain, and make it easier for you to hike across the Magic Kingdom parking lot. You can say goodbye to the days of leg swelling and hello to *sweet* relief as you march countless miles each day of your trip. Don't let the potential pain stop you from having the time of your life at the Happiest Place on Earth! A Color Wow Dreamcoat anti-frizz hairspray to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving your hair feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow dry for the finishing touch. With this spray, your blowout will stay as perfect as Princess Belle herself! A Burt's Bees after-sun lotion perfect for bringing some relief to any sunburns that may occur while you're skipping across Tomorrow Land. With aloe and coconut oil, this skin lotion can soothe and bring hydrating relief to your sun-kissed skin. An Anker portable charger because you will be constantly using your phone to check the wait times, plan ahead with your Genie+, or just playing Charades with your family (or random strangers) while stuck in a line. Don't let its slim exterior fool you; this device is one of the highest reviewed power banks on Amazon for a reason. It can charge a smartphone up to three times while still being light enough to comfortably carry around Hollywood Studios as you search for hidden Mickeys! A pill organizer to keep all of your meds on hand so that you're not trying to dig through your bag for different bottles. With eight multi-size compartments, this carrier can safely store any size pill or vitamin you need. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this organizer will be your saving grace as you attempt to squeeze in just one more plushy from the Emporium into your bag. A travel umbrella designed to block out both the constant Florida showers and the overbearing midday sun. This is a heavy-duty umbrella has eight sturdy fiberglass ribs, making it incredibly wind-resistant, while still being able to fold into a small size. Don't miss your chance to join the line for Pandora's Flight of Passage just because of a little rain, this umbrella will help you make the most of your day no matter the weather! A set of travel perfume carriers that can hold all of your favorite eau de parfums as you make your way around The Isle of Berk. After sweating under the sun for a whole day, you will be happy you packed these sprays so that you can refresh yourself at your convenience. A Miss Mouth's stain remover spray to help wipe away the Mickey Ice Cream Bar residue from your little one's shorts. Designed to remove even the toughest of stains, this spray is a necessity when wrangling your family through the parks while attempting to keep their clothes Instagram-worthy. A three-pack of Disney-inspired lanyards so your family can keep their key cards strapped close to them at all times. With pouches to hold any additional cards or cash, these are great for anyone trying to waltz around Disney without the feeling of being weighed down by a wallet. Perhaps one of the most important items on this list, these ID holders are necessary for those who tend to misplace things more often than not. A pair of aqua socks to protect your feet and save you from any pool slipping incidents while at Typhoon Lagoon or Volcano Bay. Super lightweight and flexible, these socks are perfect for your water excursions during your ultimate Disney vacation! A hand sanitizer holder because you should always have one on hand when you're in a place as crowded as Disney or Universal. Hook these cute keychains to your backpack and don't fear losing them on the monorail, your favorite scented sanitizer is always close by! Ta-da! I declare you ready for your theme park adventure!
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
I played 'Mario Kart World,' and I believe it can carry the Switch 2 launch on its back
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. When the Switch 2 made its grand debut in a lengthy Nintendo Direct livestream six weeks ago (so much has happened in those six weeks), a lot of gamers had two major questions concerning the console's impending June 5 launch: Is Mario Kart World really worth $80? Is Mario Kart World enough to justify getting the console on day one? Though Nintendo has tried to answer that first question, many of the fans I know still aren't convinced. However, after getting roughly six hours of relatively unconstrained hands-on time with the game recently, I think I can answer the second one. In short, yes, I absolutely think Mario Kart World has enough meat on the bone to keep Switch 2 early adopters happy until more first-party games like Donkey Kong Bananza start dropping later in the summer. (And if you're looking for more Switch 2 launch titles to play, I have some recommendations.) The iconic kart racing series' first foray into open-world design carries a ton of promise, and after getting to spend a huge chunk of time roaming around its giant world, I think people will find plenty to do for the first few weeks after launch when there may not be a lot of other new games to play. Also, did I mention that I got paid to play Mario Kart World for six hours? The lengthy pre-launch demo event I attended included a pretty comprehensive look at what Mario Kart World has to offer. Let's dive in. The world feels very lively, with lots of NPC traffic and even wildlife. Credit: Nintendo In case you've been living in the jungle or something since early April, you should know that Mario Kart World's big change to the series is the inclusion of a seemingly very large open world that players can roam around at their leisure. Every racetrack is contained within this world, and in the classic Grand Prix mode, you actually have to race other drivers to the next track after you finish one. This flagship Switch 2 launch game didn't take long to make me grin like a child, as I realized early in the demo that you can seamlessly enter free roam from the game's main menu without any kind of loading screen whatsoever. You can actually see Mario idly driving around the world behind the menu, and pressing the Switch 2's plus button removes the UI, places the camera behind him, and sets you off on your adventure instantly. It's a really neat trick. But what matters most is what actually happens once you're in free roam. This isn't necessarily like other open-world racing games such as Burnout Paradise or Forza Horizon where you drive up to an icon on the map to start a series of races, as far as I could tell. Instead, the rhythm of free roaming revolves around simply driving until you see something fun to do. In my experience, this happens about every 30 seconds or so. Starview Peak was my favorite track I saw in the demo. Credit: Nintendo The fun largely involves big blue P-switches that you can drive over to start little bespoke challenge missions. Each one of these takes about 30 seconds at max to complete if you do it right, and they come in a handful of different flavors: collecting blue coins, driving through a series of checkpoints before time comes out, or even completing something akin to a 3D platforming challenge with a kart. If you're coming to this game looking for something more weighty than that, I don't know if you'll find it here; I don't think Mario Kart World is aiming to wrap the player in the mystery of its world the same way The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did when the first Switch came out. That's fine, though, because what it is aiming to do is give you a lot of fun, bite-sized activities that you can do between intense online races. It's an easygoing, stress-free experience, one that will make for a perfect couch companion while a baseball game is on the TV. Need to kill a couple of hours on a flight? Perfect, just go into free roam and keep hitting blue switches until you can't anymore. I don't know how many of those are in the game, but you get the impression early on that the number is huge. Another important thing to note is that there is more to the free roam mode than just P-switches, as I encountered special collectible coins and even some other things I won't spoil that I couldn't even really explain if I wanted to. In total, I got about 90 minutes with the free roam mode, and it left me wanting to play a lot more. Crucially, it seems like free roaming is something you can simply choose to do if you want to, not something you have to do to have fun with Mario Kart World. All of the traditional modes (as well as new ones like the battle royale-esque Knockout Tour) are here too, and you can access them the same way you always could from a menu. Put simply, this is going to be the perfect podcast game. That's a cool dude, right there. Credit: Nintendo Real quick, I'd like to acknowledge that this isn't just Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with an open world jammed into it. Nintendo has actually made some really meaningful changes to the core mechanics. As you may have seen in various promotional materials, karts can now grind on rails and even ride on walls, both things that are new to the series. Of course, every track and even the non-track parts of the open world have been meticulously constructed with those mechanics in mind, and mastering them will be key to putting yourself in the position to a blue shell ruins everything. What impressed me the most about this is that there's legitimate technique to it. Nintendo has added a new move to every racer's toolkit, where if you hold down the drift button without turning in a particular direction, your racer will charge up a little vertical jump. This jump is how you get onto rails and walls in the first place, and I was told you can also use it to avoid certain obstacles and even shells coming your way. What makes this work so well is that it takes a few seconds to prime the jump, so you can't just decide on a whim that you'd like to ride the wall next to you. You need to learn each track and plan ahead, and this is something that I think free roaming will also help with, since you can drive freely on each track without worrying about other racers. To wrap back around to my original point, I'm no longer worried about whether or not I'll be satisfied with Mario Kart World as the Switch 2's only big first-party launch game. For starters, there are other games to play, contrary to what some people might say online. Beyond that, I got the distinct impression that there's a ton to see and do in Mario Kart World, and all of it can be seen and done at as leisurely a pace as you would like. There aren't even a bunch of overwhelming icons on the world map, if that helps. Of course, to enjoy all this, you have to complete a very important challenge first: Actually securing a Switch 2 preorder. Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Mario Kart World' $79.99 at Target Pre-order Here
