Get ready to rev up your engines! Indie developer Grumpy Pizza Games and publisher Ant Workshop Ltd have announced that their charming open-world kart racer, Go Kart Island, will officially launch on Nintendo Switch on January 9, 2026. PC players won’t have to wait as long—the Steam version arrives on November 10, 2025, self-published by Grumpy Pizza Games.
Fans can already get behind the wheel with a free demo on Steam, featuring the first nine events of Story Mode. The demo is also part of this month’s Steam Next Fest, giving players a chance to try before they buy.
A Kart Racer with a Story
Unlike many arcade racers, Go Kart Island introduces a quirky story mode. Players take on the role of Lachlan the highland cow, who dreams of winning the BIG RACE. But there’s a catch—the island’s corrupt mayor demands a hefty 1,000-coin entry fee. To reach the starting line, players must complete events, collect items, and outmaneuver competitors.
The game promises a wide variety of activities:
- 34 unique story mode events with more than 150 collectibles in an open-world island setting.
- Event types including races, time trials, chases, scavenger hunts, and deliveries.
- 32 animal characters to meet, race, and unlock—including giraffes, turtles, and sheep.
- 84 gold trophy challenges for replayability and extra difficulty.
- A toolbox of items to use on rivals and obstacles.
- And yes, a fully honkable kart horn—because what’s kart racing without the HONK?
A Developer’s Dream Come True
Go Kart Island is the debut project of Ewan McKenzie, the solo developer behind Grumpy Pizza Games. For McKenzie, the game represents more than just a release—it’s a lifelong dream.
“As a kid I used to design Mario Kart tracks with pencil and paper, so it really is a dream come true to release my own kart racer on a Nintendo console,” McKenzie shared.
Originally a hobby project started in 2019, Go Kart Island became McKenzie’s full-time focus after being made redundant in December 2024. Determined to bring something new to the kart racing genre, he embraced an open-world approach, setting the stage for a whimsical animal-filled racing adventure.
A Fresh Spin on Kart Racing
While kart racers are no stranger to the gaming scene, Go Kart Island aims to stand out with its open-world exploration, narrative-driven progression, and eccentric animal cast. With its cozy art style and emphasis on community spirit, the game looks set to appeal to both casual players and racing enthusiasts.
Nintendo Switch players will get their hands on the full release in January 2026, while PC gamers can start drifting into action much earlier this November.
Players can try the game before they buy, with the first nine events of Story Mode available in the demo. The demo is out now on Steam and will take part in October’s Next Fest.
