Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled exciting details about the upcoming launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, *Mario Kart World*, in a dedicated Direct presentation. This comprehensive overview captures all the essential information shared, helping fans eagerly await the game's release on June 5, 2025, alongside the Nintendo Switch 2.

Mario Kart World will boast a diverse array of both new and classic courses, seamlessly integrated into its expansive map. Some of the highlighted tracks 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 learn that these classic courses have been "reimagined to feel at-home within this vast, new world, offering fresh experiences on classics."

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World introduces a rich roster of characters, ensuring variety and excitement. The Direct showcased a selection of characters including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more, ranging from Baby Peach to Cheep Cheep.

The gameplay is further enhanced with innovative techniques such as the Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another exciting feature is the Rewind mechanic, enabling players to retry a section of the course to find hidden paths or perfect their turns. However, players must be cautious as rivals continue to move forward during a rewind.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two primary race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players will navigate through multiple races to claim cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with seamless transitions between courses thanks to the game's open-world structure. Completing all cups may unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like cars firing bullet bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale style race where players must reach checkpoints in time or face elimination, with the ultimate goal of being 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 offers players the freedom to explore the map without the pressure of racing. Players can discover P Switches that activate blue coins and initiate missions to enhance their skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and the Photo Mode allows players to capture their adventures.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant in Free Roam is a unique experience, where players can acquire "Dash Food" to boost speed and don themed outfits inspired by their meals, including cheeseburgers, sushi, and more.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World is designed to be a social experience, offering various multiplayer options. Players can enjoy four-player local play on one system, local wireless play with up to eight players, or compete with up to 24 players globally through Online Play.

The game also allows friends to explore the world together in Free Roam, with the ability to fast travel to each other's locations. Players can engage in custom races or battles, and utilize Photo Mode to capture memories. GameChat enhances the social aspect by allowing voice and video communication, with the camera capable of detecting up to four faces in local play.

Beyond the main race modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with the option to race against global ghost data, VS Mode with customizable team options, and the return of Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

While classic items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, Mario Kart World introduces new items such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course while leaving a trail of coins. Other additions include the Ice Flower, Hammers, Mega Mushroom, Feather, and the Kamek item, which transforms players into mysterious forms.

Support Features

To cater to players of all skill levels, Mario Kart World includes supportive 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, don't miss our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, the justification behind its $80 price tag, and our in-depth interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.