Smart Steering isn’t exactly new—it made its first appearance back in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
While it’s an awesome tool for beginners, experienced racers might find it more annoying than helpful.
If you’re 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, it’s super handy—especially on chaotic tracks like Rainbow Road where flying off the edge is pretty common.
That said, if you’re 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 kart—if it’s flashing yellow, Smart Steering is doing its thing.
Also Read: Here’s 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 “+” button on your Nintendo Switch 2 to open the pause menu.
- Tap “X” to open the controls/settings menu.
- At the top of the menu, you’ll see the Smart Steering toggle. Flip it off from there.
You can toggle Smart Steering anytime—even 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 won’t pause while you’re fiddling with settings.
So unless you’re super fast or way ahead, you’ll probably lose ground trying to turn it off mid-race. Best to adjust it before you hit the track.
Should You Use Smart Steering?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
- If you’re new to the game or playing with younger kids, Smart Steering can level the playing field and keep things fun.
- If you’re a veteran Mario Kart player, it’ll likely feel like it’s 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
