Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, *Mario Kart World*, in their latest Mario Kart World Direct. This game, set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, promises to bring new characters, courses, races, secrets, and more to the iconic racing franchise. This comprehensive roundup will give you all the essential information you need to know, helping you count down the days until the release.

Mario Kart World will offer a vast, interconnected map featuring a mix of new and reimagined classic courses. Some of the new courses introduced 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 experience these classic courses reimagined to seamlessly fit into the expansive world of Mario Kart World, providing fresh experiences on familiar tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capability to host up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World boasts an extensive roster of characters. The Direct showcased a variety of beloved characters such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more, 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.

Adding to the excitement, players can now utilize new driving techniques like the Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge enemy attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another innovative feature is the Rewind function, which lets players retry sections to reach hidden paths or improve turns, although players must be cautious as rivals continue to move forward during rewinds.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World features two primary racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players will compete in multiple races to win various cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, transitioning seamlessly from one course to another due to the game's open structure. Completing all cups may unlock a special "colorful course" reminiscent of Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like cars shooting bullet bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style mode where racers must reach checkpoints within a designated 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 in Mario Kart World allows players to explore the expansive 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 discovery, and a photo mode enables players to capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, featuring dishes like cheeseburgers, sushi, and pizza.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing Mario Kart World with friends promises to be a highlight of the game. Options include local multiplayer with up to four players on one system, local wireless play for up to eight players (two systems of four), and online play supporting up to 24 players globally. Friends can also explore the map together in Free Roam, engage in custom battles or races, and enjoy Photo Mode. GameChat enhances the social experience, allowing players to communicate and even see live video reactions from friends with compatible cameras.

In addition to the main racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with an online option to race against ghost data from other players worldwide. VS Mode offers extensive customization, allowing up to four teams to compete. Battle Mode returns with classics like 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. Other new additions include the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, 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 various support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and customizable camera settings for both vertical and horizontal views.

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