"Mario Kart World Direct Unveils New Courses and Characters"

This morning, Nintendo held a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct presentation, unveiling an exciting array of features coming to the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Among the many reveals were new gameplay mechanics, modes, and—most notably—a wide variety of both brand-new and returning tracks and racers set to join the roster in *Mario Kart World*.

The course design takes a bold step forward with the introduction of roamable world environments. One of the standout locations showcased was Crown City, where players can navigate through bustling urban streets filled with interactive elements and hidden paths. Another highlight was Salty Salty Speedway, which brings high-speed aquatic racing back into the mix with dynamic water-based challenges and creative shortcuts. These expansive settings promise more exploration and strategic depth than ever before.

In addition to the fresh track designs, new mechanics like wall-riding and grinding were prominently featured during the broadcast. These additions bring a layer of skill-based movement that encourages advanced techniques and creative route choices during races. Players will have plenty to master as they learn how to best utilize these mechanics for competitive advantage.

Stay tuned as more details emerge following today’s Direct—we’ve compiled everything we saw, including all confirmed tracks, racers, and exclusive insights straight from the presentation.