Mario Kart World Direct Unveils New Features and Gameplay

The recent Mario Kart World Direct showcased exciting details about the upcoming kart-racing game in the Mario Kart series. Discover the open-world exploration and key features below.

Mario Kart World Direct Highlights

A Seamless Open World

Nintendo hosted the Mario Kart World Direct on April 17, revealing key elements of the game. Players can freely navigate Mario Kart World, exploring familiar regions and new areas introduced to the series.

Nintendo stated, "In Mario Kart World, courses are seamlessly connected by roads, allowing players to drive between them for a dynamic experience!"

Experience the Mario universe like never before, with stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks scattered throughout. Hidden items and missions enhance exploration, letting players hone their driving skills outside of races.

The Direct revealed new and reimagined classic courses, including Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard, all tailored for this innovative Mario Kart adventure.

Grand Prix and Knockout Tour Modes

The game introduces two primary race types: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, each supporting up to 24 racers—a series record. Players must navigate challenges like Bullet Bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros attacks.

In Grand Prix, players compete in four consecutive races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, and Star Cup. Unlike previous titles, racers must travel to the next course to continue. Completing all cups unlocks a speculated "colorful course," likely Rainbow Road.

The new Knockout Tour mode spans the entire world, functioning as a survival-style race. Players must secure a position to advance, or they’re eliminated from the tour.

New Items and Characters

Mario Kart World introduces fresh items alongside returning favorites. New additions include the Coin Shell, which scatters coins while knocking opponents aside, the Ice Flower, freezing rivals on contact, and the Big Mushroom, enlarging players to squash competitors.

Familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser return, joined by newcomers Goomba, Spike, and Cow. Players can unlock alternate costumes hidden throughout the world for added customization.

Multiplayer and Accessibility Features

The game offers diverse modes for solo and group play. Time Trials let players compete against global ghost data online. VS mode allows team-based racing with customizable settings. Battle mode includes Coin Runners, where players collect coins to win, and Balloon Battle, a last-balloon-standing challenge.

Mario Kart World supports local and online multiplayer, with up to four players in split-screen on one system and eight players (two per Switch 2) via local wireless. The Switch 2’s GameChat feature enables voice chat and screen sharing.

Accessibility options include Smart Steering to prevent track falls, Auto-accelerate for automatic driving, Tilt controls for motion-based immersion, and support for the new Joy-Con 2 Wheel for an enhanced racing feel.

Mario Kart World redefines kart racing with its open-world exploration and vibrant Mario universe. Set for release on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, stay tuned for updates in our latest article!