Expert Claims “Mario Kart World” is a “Fake HDR” Title on Nintendo Switch 2 — Highlights Developer Shortcomings in HDR Implementation

Alright, here we go, diving into the messy world of gaming graphics, or whatever you want to call it. So, there’s this chatter, or maybe more like shouting, on the internet about Mario Kart World on the Switch 2. Apparently, it’s doing this thing called ‘fake HDR’—yeah, I’m already lost, but let’s roll with it. A bunch of TechTubers are all hot and bothered about it. They’re those people who get super intense about pixels and stuff. Anyway, Alexander Mejia steps in and he knows his stuff. He’s got this reputation for top-notch HDR experiences. Like, he’s done work for the Xbox Series X and all. Guy’s legit, right?

So, moving on, Nintendo’s claiming this new Mario Kart is all in 4K at 60FPS with HDR. It’s like they’re waving a flashy banner saying “Look at us!” Meanwhile, Mejia’s here poking holes, saying nah, it’s like this game’s still living in SDR-land (whatever that means). Maybe it’s like dressing up in HDR clothes without really wearing them. I mean, who does that?

And, get this, even Mejia says tackling HDR is like herding cats. He’s all about starting with HDR from the get-go—not as an afterthought. Makes sense, right? Why bolt wings onto a car if it ain’t gonna fly?

Oh, I almost forgot! There are these images and charts Mejia put together revealing just how much Mario Kart’s HDR is, well, lacking. Supposedly, Nintendo’s max brightness only hits around 500 nits. That’s tech speak for “pretty lame” when they’re promising so much more. Like, trying to sell you an ice cream sundae and only getting a scoop. Without toppings.

It’s all a bit head-scratching, like even if you crank the brightness up to a zillion nits, it doesn’t really go past 950. It’s like promising fireworks and handing out sparklers. I swear, if I had a coin for every time a company oversold something…

In conclusion—ack, I said conclusion, that sounds too formal—Mejia wraps up by offering his skills. He’s like, hey, hire me and your HDR woes are gone. Smart move, dude. Meanwhile, I guess we gamers keep spinning around the track hoping for the real HDR magic to happen someday. Fingers crossed?

And yeah, follow Tom’s Hardware… I guess if you like living in the pixel-by-pixel virtual drama world. Anyway, see you on the flip side!