Mario Kart World Direct Unveiled for Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo's latest Mario Kart World Direct has unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. From new characters and courses to innovative gameplay mechanics and social features, this roundup covers everything you need to know to keep you excited until the big launch.

Mario Kart World promises an expansive interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. Today's Direct introduced us to a variety of tracks including Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. For fans of the series, the excitement comes from the reimagined classics, designed to feel seamlessly integrated into the new world, offering fresh experiences on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World introduces an extensive roster of characters. The Direct showcased a diverse lineup 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 to enhance the fun. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another thrilling addition is the Rewind feature, enabling players to retry a section to reach hidden paths or perfect a turn. However, players must be cautious as rivals continue to move during a rewind, potentially leading to new challenges.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World features two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix offers the traditional racing experience where players compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The seamless transition between courses, thanks to the game's open structure, enhances the experience.

Completing all Grand Prix Cups may unlock a special "colorful course," hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like cars shooting Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style mode where racers must reach checkpoints in time or be eliminated. The last driver standing wins in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

Free Roam mode allows players to explore the world without the pressure of racing. Discover P Switches to activate blue coins and start missions that enhance your skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and a photo mode lets you capture your adventures.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, such as those inspired by cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.

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 one system, eight can join via local wireless (two systems of four), and up to 24 can compete online. Friends can also free roam together, seeing each other's locations on the map and fast traveling to join in races, battles, or exploration. Photo Mode and GameChat, including live video reactions, enhance the social experience.

In addition to the main modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data, customizable VS Mode with up to four teams, and the return of Battle Mode with Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Alongside familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, new additions include the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins, the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, Hammers to attack and block, 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.

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