Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Title Announcements

Nintendo recently unveiled an exciting Mario Kart World Direct, providing an in-depth look at the launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive overview captures everything you need to know about the upcoming game, helping you eagerly anticipate its launch.

Mario Kart World promises an expansive world with a blend of new and reimagined classic courses. Highlighted courses include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. What's thrilling for seasoned players is the transformation of these iconic tracks to seamlessly integrate into the expansive new world, offering a fresh take on beloved classics.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per event, Mario Kart World boasts a diverse roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more 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.

Enhancing the racing experience, new techniques such as Charge Jump enable players to dodge attacks, access higher platforms, grind rails, and even briefly ride on walls. Another groundbreaking feature, Rewind, allows players to retry sections, perfecting their routes or discovering hidden paths, although it's crucial to use it wisely as rivals continue moving forward.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two primary race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The familiar Grand Prix mode involves racing through multiple courses to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The transition between races is now more fluid, as players drive directly from one course to another, enhancing the seamless feel of the game's open world.

Completing all Grand Prix Cups might unlock a challenging "colorful course," hinting at the return of the legendary Rainbow Road with new obstacles such as bullet bill-shooting cars and hammer-throwing Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle royale-style race where players must reach checkpoints on time or risk elimination. The last racer standing wins in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

The Free Roam mode offers a relaxed exploration of Mario Kart World without the pressure of racing. Players can discover P Switches that activate blue coins and initiate missions to hone their skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels add to the adventure. A photo mode lets players capture memorable moments, while visiting Yoshi's restaurant provides "Dash Food" for speed boosts and themed outfits inspired by meals like cheeseburgers, sushi, and pizza.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing with friends enhances the Mario Kart World experience, with options for four players on one system, local wireless play for up to eight players, and online play for up to 24 players worldwide. Friends can join in Free Roam, allowing for spontaneous races or battles with custom rules, and even take photos together. GameChat integrates voice communication and live video reactions, adding a social dimension to the gameplay.

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 returning Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, joined by new additions such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a coin trail, the Ice Flower for freezing enemies, Hammers for blocking paths, the Mega Mushroom for size increase, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

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, ensuring everyone can enjoy the game.

For more insights, explore our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, understand how Nintendo justifies the $80 price tag, and delve into our interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.