Nintendo recently unveiled an exciting Mario Kart World Direct, providing fans with an in-depth look at the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Set to release on June 5, 2025, this game promises to bring a host of new features, characters, courses, and more, enhancing the gaming experience for both new and veteran players. Here's everything you need to know to keep you excited until the launch.
Courses -------Mario Kart World introduces an expansive interconnected map filled with a variety of new and reimagined classic courses. Some of the highlighted tracks include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. Excitingly, older courses have been revamped to seamlessly integrate into this new world, providing a fresh take on beloved classics.
Characters and New Techniques
With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts an extensive roster of characters. The Direct showcased a diverse lineup including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many others like 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.
New driving techniques add depth to the gameplay. The Charge Jump allows players to evade attacks, access higher platforms, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Another innovative feature, Rewind, lets players retry tricky sections or hidden paths, although players must be cautious as opponents continue moving during rewinds, potentially leading to new challenges.
Mario Kart World Screenshots
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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World offers two main race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix retains the traditional format where players compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The seamless transition between courses without menu interruptions enhances the immersive experience. Completing all Grand Prix Cups might unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, now featuring new challenges such as bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.
Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style mode where players race across the map, needing to reach checkpoints in time to avoid elimination. The last racer standing wins in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.
Mario Kart World Free Roam
The Free Roam mode allows players to explore the world at their leisure, discovering P Switches that activate blue coins and initiate skill-enhancing missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery. Additionally, a photo mode lets players capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, such as those inspired by cheeseburgers, sushi, and more.
Playing Mario Kart World with Friends
Playing with friends is a highlight of Mario Kart World, with multiple options available. Up to four players can play on a single system, eight can join via local wireless (using two systems of four), and up to 24 can compete online. Friends can also explore the map together, engage in custom battles or races, and use the photo mode. GameChat enhances the social experience, allowing voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.
Modes -----Beyond the main race modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data competition, customizable VS Mode with up to four teams, and the return of Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.
Items
While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, new additions such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins, add fresh dynamics. Other new items include the Ice Flower, Hammers, Mega Mushroom, Feather, and the Kamek item, which transforms players into mysterious forms.
Support Features
To cater to players of all skill levels, Mario Kart World includes support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings for both vertical and horizontal views.
For more insights, check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.
