Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Title Announcements

Nintendo has unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, during their recent Mario Kart World Direct. This upcoming game, set to launch on June 5, 2025, alongside the new console, promises to bring new characters, courses, races, and a host of innovative features. This comprehensive roundup is designed to keep you informed and excited as you await the game's release.

Mario Kart World boasts an expansive interconnected map filled with both new and classic courses. The Direct introduced us to several tracks, including Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. What's particularly thrilling for veteran players is that the classic courses have been reimagined to seamlessly blend into the new world, offering fresh and exhilarating experiences on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World introduces a diverse roster of characters to ensure variety. The Direct showcased a range of racers, 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 racing experience. The Charge Jump allows racers to evade enemy attacks, reach higher platforms, grind on rails, and even ride along walls temporarily. Another groundbreaking feature is the Rewind option, enabling players to retry tricky sections, reach hidden paths, or improve their turns. However, it's crucial to use Rewind strategically, as other racers continue to move forward, potentially placing you at a disadvantage if not used wisely.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World features two primary race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix is the familiar mode where players compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, races transition seamlessly from one course to another without returning to a menu, thanks to the game's open-world structure. Conquering all the Grand Prix Cups might unlock a special "colorful course," hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, which will feature new challenges like cars shooting Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style race where participants must reach designated checkpoints on time or face elimination. The ultimate goal is to be the last racer standing in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

The Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World allows players to explore the expansive map without the pressure of racing. During exploration, players can discover numerous P Switches that activate blue coins and initiate skill-enhancing missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels add to the excitement. Additionally, a photo mode lets players capture memorable moments during their adventures.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant is another highlight, where players can acquire "Dash Food" to boost their speed and don themed outfits inspired by their meals, such as cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing Mario Kart World with friends offers numerous exciting options. Players can enjoy four-player local multiplayer on a single system, local wireless play with up to eight players across two systems, or compete with up to 24 players worldwide in Online Play. Between races, friends can free roam together, seeing each other's positions on the map and fast-traveling to join in custom battles or races. The Photo Mode is also available for group shots, and GameChat enhances the experience with voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.

In addition to the main race modes, Mario Kart World offers Time Trials with the ability to race against global ghost data online. VS Mode provides extensive customization options, allowing competition between up to four teams. Battle Mode returns with classic contests like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, Mario Kart World introduces new items such as 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 paths, the Mega Mushroom for size enhancement, the Feather for jumping to avoid attacks, and the Kamek item that transforms players into mysterious forms.

Support Features

Mario Kart World aims to be accessible to players of all skill levels with support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and customizable Vertical and Horizontal Camera settings.

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