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. For fans of the series, the reimagined older courses are particularly thrilling, as they offer fresh experiences while maintaining the nostalgic charm of the originals.

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 such as the Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another innovative feature is the Rewind mechanic, enabling players to retry sections of the race to perfect their performance, though it requires careful use 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 Grand Prix mode retains the traditional format where 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 cups may 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 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 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 add to the exploration fun. Additionally, a photo mode lets players capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, ranging from cheeseburgers to ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World emphasizes multiplayer fun with various options. Players can enjoy four-player split-screen, local wireless play with up to eight players, and online play with up to 24 racers. The game also allows friends to free roam together, with the ability to fast travel to each other's locations for races, battles, or exploration. The integrated GameChat feature enhances the social experience, allowing voice communication and live video reactions with compatible cameras.

Beyond the main racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data, customizable VS Mode with team options, and the classic Battle Mode featuring 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 opponents, 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 more insights, check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.