Smart Steering isnโt exactly newโit made its first appearance back in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
While itโs an awesome tool for beginners, experienced racers might find it more annoying than helpful.
If youโre looking to race with full control, this guide will walk you through what Smart Steering does and how to turn it off in Mario Kart World.
A Pretty Noticeable Assist
Smart Steering is enabled by default in Mario Kart World, and it basically helps you steer your kart by nudging you around tight corners and steering you away from hazards.
For kids or first-time players, itโs super handyโespecially on chaotic tracks like Rainbow Road where flying off the edge is pretty common.
That said, if youโre a more seasoned racer, Smart Steering can be a bit of a buzzkill. It limits your ability to drift and snag those sweet turbo boosts that can give you the edge in a tight race.
Wondering if Smart Steering is on? Just check the antenna on the back of your kartโif itโs flashing yellow, Smart Steering is doing its thing.
Also Read: Hereโs How to Free Roam in Mario Kart World Without Getting Thrown into a Race
How to Turn Off Smart Steering in Mario Kart World
Know where to go:
- Press the โ+โ button on your Nintendo Switch 2 to open the pause menu.
- Tap โXโ to open the controls/settings menu.
- At the top of the menu, youโll see the Smart Steering toggle. Flip it off from there.
You can toggle Smart Steering anytimeโeven in the middle of a race or while exploring in free-roam mode.
Quick heads-up: If you’re in an online match, the race wonโt pause while youโre fiddling with settings.
So unless youโre super fast or way ahead, youโll probably lose ground trying to turn it off mid-race. Best to adjust it before you hit the track.
Should You Use Smart Steering?
Thereโs no one-size-fits-all answer here.
- If youโre new to the game or playing with younger kids, Smart Steering can level the playing field and keep things fun.
- If youโre a veteran Mario Kart player, itโll likely feel like itโs holding you back. Disabling it gives you full control over your kart, especially for drifting and pulling off tight turns.
Related Article: Mastering Charge Jump in Mario Kart World: Jump, Grind, and Ride Like a Pro
