Mario Kart World Direct Unveils Switch 2 Launch Details

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about *Mario Kart World*, the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. The Mario Kart World Direct provided insights into characters, courses, races, secrets, and much more, and this comprehensive roundup aims to keep you informed and excited as we count down to the launch.

Mario Kart World promises an expansive and interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. Among those showcased were Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. A particularly thrilling aspect for returning fans is how these older courses have been revamped to seamlessly integrate into the game's vast new world, offering fresh takes on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With support for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World boasts an extensive roster of characters. The Direct highlighted favorites like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and an array of other characters including 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.

The gameplay is enhanced with new techniques such as the Charge Jump, allowing players to evade attacks, reach higher areas, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Another innovative feature is Rewind, which gives players a second chance to navigate tricky paths or perfect turns, though competitors will continue moving forward during the rewind, adding a strategic layer to its use.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World introduces two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The Grand Prix mode retains the traditional format where players race through multiple courses to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The seamless transition between courses without returning to a menu enhances the fluidity of the experience, thanks to the game's open-world structure. Completing all cups might unlock a "colorful course" hinting at Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like cars firing Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour offers a battle-royale-style race across the map, where players must reach checkpoints within a specific time or be eliminated. The last racer 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 expansive world without the pressure of racing. Discovering P Switches and collecting blue coins triggers missions that enhance players' skills outside of traditional races. Hidden treasures such as Peach Medallions and secret panels add to the exploration fun. Additionally, a photo mode lets players capture memorable moments during their adventures.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers a unique experience where players can enjoy "Dash Food" to gain speed boosts and thematic outfits inspired by their meals, such as cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing Mario Kart World with friends is designed to be a highlight of the game. Players can enjoy multiplayer in various ways: four players on one system, local wireless play with up to eight players (two systems of four), and online play with up to 24 players from around the world. The ability to free roam with friends between races, see their locations on the map, and fast travel to join them adds a social element. Friends can engage in custom battles, races, or simply explore together, with the photo mode enhancing shared experiences.

GameChat is a key feature, allowing voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras. If all players are on a single system, the camera can detect up to four faces.

Beyond the main modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with the option to race against global ghost data online. VS Mode allows for extensive customization, supporting up to four teams of racers. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning make a return, new items such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins, add fresh dynamics. Other new additions include the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size increases, the Feather for jumping to avoid attacks, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

Mario Kart World is designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels, featuring support options 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 perspectives.

For a deeper dive into Mario Kart World, don't miss our hands-on preview, insights on the game's $80 price tag, and our extensive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.