Nintendo's recent Mario Kart World Direct has unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the upcoming launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive overview compiles all the essential information from the Direct, aiming to keep fans engaged and informed as they eagerly await the game's debut.
Courses -------Mario Kart World promises an expansive interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. Highlights from the Direct include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. Returning players will be thrilled to know that these classic courses have been revamped to seamlessly integrate into the new world, offering fresh experiences on familiar tracks.
Characters and New Techniques
With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts 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.
New driving techniques add depth to the gameplay. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another exciting feature is the Rewind mechanic, which lets players retry sections to find hidden paths or perfect their turns. However, players must be cautious as rivals continue to move during rewinds, potentially leading to new challenges.
Mario Kart World Screenshots
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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World introduces two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players compete across multiple races to win 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 challenging "colorful course," hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.
Knockout Tour offers a battle-royale-style race where players must reach checkpoints in time to avoid elimination. 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 at their leisure, discovering P Switches, blue coins, and engaging in skill-enhancing missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and a photo mode lets players capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, such as those inspired by cheeseburgers, sushi, and more.
Playing Mario Kart World with Friends
Mario Kart World offers multiple ways to enjoy the game with friends. Options include four-player local play on one system, local wireless play with up to eight players, and online play with up to 24 players worldwide. Friends can also explore the map together in Free Roam mode, engage in custom battles or races, and use Photo Mode to capture shared experiences. GameChat enhances social interaction, allowing voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.
Modes -----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 featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.
Items
Alongside familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, 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 for attacking and blocking, 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 both vertical and horizontal views.
For more insights, explore our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, learn how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and read our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.
