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A new mechanic in Mario Kart World called the Charge Jump is under fire from fans after testing revealed it may do more harm than good. While the move appears to provide a flashy speed boost, players are discovering that the Charge Jump might actually be one of the least effective ways to gain an edge in the game’s high-stakes races.
The Charge Jump, introduced in Mario Kart World — the latest installment in the franchise launched alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 — functions similarly to the classic drift boost. However, instead of sliding around a corner, players charge and leap forward in a straight line, maintaining forward momentum. On paper, it sounds like a game-changer. In practice, it may be holding players back.
Content creator Karting All Day recently published a detailed video breakdown, showcasing side-by-side comparisons of racers using the Charge Jump versus those simply accelerating normally. The results were clear: despite the flashy animation and perceived momentum, the Charge Jump actually results in slower total speed. Even more surprising, players not using any trick at all were consistently finishing segments faster than those relying on the Charge Jump.
This discovery has caused a stir in the competitive Mario Kart World scene, where mechanics like the Charge Jump can drastically alter race outcomes. With the game supporting up to 24-player races and featuring semi-open world circuits, optimizing movement is more important than ever — and relying on a slower move like the Charge Jump could cost players a podium finish.
That said, the Charge Jump isn’t entirely useless. It still offers utility in navigating tricky terrain, dodging hazards, or repositioning mid-air, giving it situational value even if it’s not ideal for pure speed.
As with any evolving multiplayer game, Mario Kart World players continue to test and refine strategies. While the Charge Jump may not be the best boost option, its role in high-level play might shift as the meta evolves and new techniques are discovered. For now, however, it seems racers are better off sticking with tried-and-true methods — and maybe leaving the Charge Jump for style points.