Nintendo’s latest hit, MK World, is already tearing up the tracks on the Nintendo Switch 2 — but not everyone is thrilled. A growing number of fans are voicing frustration over the removal of country flags in multiplayer lobbies, a once-popular feature that allowed players to see the nationalities of their fellow racers.
The omission may seem minor to casual players, but for dedicated fans of the Mario Kart series, it marks a step backward in global community engagement. In Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, each player’s country flag was prominently displayed next to their name, adding a sense of international flair to every race.
“I miss seeing where everyone was from,” one user wrote in a trending Reddit thread. “It felt like competing in the Olympics — or trying to survive a room full of Japanese players.”
Why Players Care About Flags
For many, the flags weren’t just decorative — they were a core part of the multiplayer experience. Players enjoyed the global atmosphere and took pride in representing their countries. Seeing a diverse lineup of racers added excitement and a sense of international camaraderie to every match.
The competitive edge was part of the appeal as well. Some players recall the rush (and intimidation) of spotting several racers from Japan — widely regarded as some of the most skilled Mario Kart players — in their lobbies.
“If you saw three or more Japanese players in your match, you knew you were in trouble,” another fan joked.
A Missing Feature in a Big Launch
MK World launched on June 5 as one of only two first-party titles available at the Nintendo Switch 2’s debut. While the open-world elements and traditional racing mechanics have been praised by fans and critics alike, the absence of certain familiar features like country flags is raising eyebrows.
In contrast, the only other launch title, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, is a casual mini-game collection designed to show off the new hardware — making Mario Kart World the centerpiece of the Switch 2 experience. That makes any missing feature, no matter how small, all the more noticeable.
Nintendo’s Silence — For Now
Nintendo has yet to publicly address the missing flag feature, leaving fans unsure if it will return in a future update. With Mario Kart World still fresh, some are holding out hope that community feedback will prompt the company to patch it back in.
Until then, players will continue to race around the globe — they just won’t be able to see where anyone’s from.