Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting information about the eagerly awaited launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, *Mario Kart World*, during their Mario Kart World Direct. This reveal not only intensified the anticipation for the game's release on June 5, 2025, alongside the new console but also provided fans with a detailed look at what to expect. From new and revamped courses to an extensive roster of characters and innovative gameplay features, let's dive into everything you need to know about *Mario Kart World*.
Courses -------Mario Kart World introduces a dynamic world map that intertwines new and classic courses, offering a seamless racing experience. Highlights from the Direct included tracks like 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 learn that these classic courses have been reimagined to blend seamlessly into the expansive new world, promising fresh experiences on familiar tracks.
Characters and New Techniques
With support for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts an impressive lineup of characters including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more, ensuring a diverse and engaging racing experience. The Direct showcased new techniques like the Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another game-changing feature is the Rewind ability, enabling players to retry tricky sections of a course, though competitors will continue to race normally during rewinds, adding a strategic layer to its use.
Mario Kart World Screenshots
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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World features two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In the familiar Grand Prix mode, players compete in a series of races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with the added twist of transitioning directly from one course to the next for a more immersive experience. Completing all cups might unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, now featuring new challenges like Bullet Bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.
Knockout Tour introduces a battle royale-style race across the map, where players must reach checkpoints in time or face elimination. The last racer standing in events like the Golden Rally or Ice Rally claims victory.
Mario Kart World Free Roam
The Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World allows players to explore the game's vast world at their leisure, discovering hidden elements like P Switches and blue coins, which trigger missions to hone racing skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and the photo mode lets players capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" boosts and themed outfits, adding a fun twist to the exploration.
Playing Mario Kart World with Friends
Playing Mario Kart World with friends enhances the experience significantly, with multiple play options. Players can enjoy four-player split-screen, local wireless play with up to eight players, or compete with up to 24 players online. The game also allows for free roaming with friends, where players can join each other's adventures, engage in custom races or battles, and utilize the photo mode together. GameChat facilitates communication, with the option for live video reactions using compatible cameras.
Modes -----Beyond the main racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data competition, VS Mode with extensive customization for team races, and the classic Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.
Items
While traditional 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 for freezing 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
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 camera settings.
For more insights, check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, explore how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and read our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.
