Nintendo recently treated fans to a comprehensive Mario Kart World Direct, unveiling a wealth of exciting details about the launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. This eagerly awaited game is set to launch alongside the new console on June 5, 2025. Our detailed roundup covers everything you need to know about this Direct, helping you stay updated and engaged as you anticipate the release.
Courses -------Mario Kart World promises an expansive interconnected map teeming with both new and reimagined classic courses. The Direct introduced us to a selection 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 franchise, the reimagined classics are particularly thrilling, offering fresh experiences within this vast new world.
Characters and New Techniques
With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts a diverse roster of characters. The Direct showcased a 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.
New driving techniques add layers of excitement to the game. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind rails, and even briefly ride walls. The Rewind feature lets players retry missed turns or explore hidden paths, though it's worth noting that rivals continue to move normally during rewinds, adding a strategic element to its use.
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 for cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The seamless transition between courses enhances the experience, thanks to the game's open-world structure. Completing all Grand Prix Cups may unlock a "colorful course," likely the iconic Rainbow Road, with new challenges like bullet bill-shooting cars and hammer-throwing Hammer Bros.
Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale style race where players must reach checkpoints within a set time or be eliminated. The last driver standing in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally claims victory.
Mario Kart World Free Roam
Free Roam mode lets players explore the map freely, discovering P Switches that activate blue coins for missions. These missions offer skill-building challenges outside of races. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and panels await discovery, and a photo mode allows players to capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, ranging from cheeseburgers to ice cream.
Playing Mario Kart World with Friends
Mario Kart World excels in multiplayer, offering various play options. Up to four players can play on one system, eight players can join via local wireless (using two systems), and 24 players can compete globally through Online Play. Between races, friends can free roam together, fast travel to each other, engage in custom battles or races, and use Photo Mode. GameChat enhances the experience, allowing voice communication and live video reactions with compatible cameras, which can detect up to four faces on a single system.
Modes -----In addition to the main race modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with global ghost data competition, customizable VS Mode with up to four teams, and the return of Battle Mode with Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.
Items
The game features both familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, and new additions like the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins. Other new items include the Ice Flower for freezing opponents, Hammers for attacking and blocking, Mega Mushroom for size growth, Feather for jumping, and Kamek's transformative magic.
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 Vertical and Horizontal Camera settings.
For more insights, read our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, explore how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and delve into our interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.
