Nintendo recently unveiled exciting new details about the launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, *Mario Kart World*, in their latest Direct presentation. This upcoming game, set to launch alongside the new console on June 5, 2025, promises to revolutionize the beloved racing franchise with new characters, courses, races, and innovative gameplay features.
This comprehensive roundup compiles all the essential information shared during the Mario Kart World Direct, designed to keep fans engaged and informed until the game's much-anticipated release.
Courses -------*Mario Kart World* introduces a vast, interconnected map featuring both new and reimagined classic courses. Among the highlighted tracks are Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. Returning players will be thrilled to discover that these classic courses have been revamped to seamlessly integrate into the expansive new world, providing fresh and exciting experiences on familiar tracks.
Characters and New Techniques
With up to 24 racers competing simultaneously, *Mario Kart World* boasts an extensive roster of characters. The Direct showcased a variety of racers including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Baby Rosalina, Rosalina, Koopa, Rocky Wrench, Conkdor, Goomba, Spike, Cow, King Boo, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Birdo, Bowser Jr., Lakitu, Toad, Wario, Pauline, Toadette, Shy Guy, Nabbit, Piranha Plant, Hammer Bro, Monty Mole, Dry Bones, Wiggler, Cataquack, Pianta, Sidestepper, and Cheep Cheep.
The game introduces new driving techniques that enhance the racing experience. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge enemy attacks, access higher areas, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another exciting addition is the Rewind feature, which enables players to retry sections of the race, such as reaching hidden paths or perfecting turns. However, players must be cautious as opponents continue to move forward during rewinds, potentially leading to new challenges.
Mario Kart World Screenshots
View 120 Images
Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
*Mario Kart World* offers two primary racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The familiar Grand Prix mode challenges players to compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, players can transition seamlessly from one course to another without returning to a menu, thanks to the game's open-world structure. Completing all Grand Prix cups unlocks a special "colorful course," hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles such as bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.
Knockout Tour is a thrilling battle-royale-inspired mode where racers must reach checkpoints on the map, with the risk of elimination if they fall behind. The last racer standing wins in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.
Mario Kart World Free Roam
In Free Roam mode, players can explore *Mario Kart World* at their leisure, free from the pressure of racing. Discover hundreds of P Switches that activate blue coins and initiate skill-improving missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and a photo mode allows players to capture memorable moments.
Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers a unique experience where players can enjoy "Dash Food" to gain speed boosts and themed outfits inspired by their meals, ranging from cheeseburgers to ice cream.
Playing Mario Kart World with Friends
*Mario Kart World* enhances multiplayer experiences with multiple play options. Up to four players can play on a single system, while local wireless play supports up to eight players across two systems. Online play accommodates up to 24 racers from around the world.
Players can also enjoy free-roaming with friends between races, using a map to locate and fast-travel to friends for impromptu battles or races with custom rules. The integrated photo mode is perfect for capturing these moments together. GameChat facilitates communication, allowing players to chat and even view live video reactions if equipped with compatible cameras.
Modes -----Beyond the main racing modes, *Mario Kart World* includes Time Trials with the option to race against global ghost data online. VS Mode offers extensive customization, allowing players to compete with up to four different teams. Battle Mode returns with classic competitions like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.
Items
The game features familiar items such as Bullet Bill and Lightning, alongside new additions like the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins. Other new items include the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, Hammers to block paths, the Mega Mushroom for size increase, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.
Support Features
*Mario Kart World* aims to be accessible to players of all skill levels with support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable Vertical and Horizontal Camera settings.
For more insights, check out our hands-on preview of *Mario Kart World*, an analysis of the game's $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.
