Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, during their Mario Kart World Direct. This comprehensive reveal has left fans buzzing with anticipation as they await the game's release on June 5, 2025, alongside the new console. Here's a detailed look at everything you need to know about Mario Kart World.

Mario Kart World promises an expansive and interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. The Direct showcased several exciting 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 the promise that these classic courses have been revamped to seamlessly integrate into the new world, offering fresh experiences on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World boasts an extensive roster of characters. The Direct highlighted a diverse lineup including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more, ensuring a variety of options for players. The game introduces new driving techniques to enhance the gameplay experience. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another innovative feature, Rewind, enables players to retry sections of the race, though it's crucial to use it wisely as rivals continue to move forward.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The familiar Grand Prix mode involves competing in multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, players will transition seamlessly from course to course without returning to a menu, enhancing the flow of the game. 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 introduces a battle-royale-style race where players must reach checkpoints in time or face elimination. The last driver standing wins 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 map at their leisure, free from the pressure of racing. Players can discover P Switches to activate blue coins and engage in skill-enhancing missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and a photo mode lets players capture their adventures. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, adding a fun twist to exploration.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World is designed to be a social experience, offering multiple ways to play 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 join in Free Roam mode, allowing for spontaneous races, battles, or exploration. The GameChat feature enhances the social aspect, enabling voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.

In addition to the main racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with the option to race against global ghost data, customizable VS Mode for team races, and the return of Battle Mode with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Mario Kart World brings back fan-favorite items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, alongside new additions such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins, the Ice Flower to freeze opponents, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size transformation, 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, ensuring everyone can enjoy the game.

For more insights, don't miss our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, an analysis of its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.