Nintendo's recent Mario Kart World Direct has given fans an exciting glimpse into what to expect from this eagerly awaited launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. The Direct revealed a wealth of new information, from characters and courses to innovative gameplay mechanics and multiplayer options.
This comprehensive roundup aims to provide you with all the essential details from the Direct, helping to ease the anticipation until the game's launch. Whether you're a seasoned Mario Kart veteran or a newcomer, there's plenty to look forward to in Mario Kart World.
Courses -------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 returning players is the way these older courses have been revamped to seamlessly integrate into the game's vast, 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 impressive roster of characters. The Direct introduced a diverse lineup including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, 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.
New techniques enhance the driving experience, with the Charge Jump allowing players to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Another standout feature is the Rewind function, which lets players retry sections to reach hidden paths or perfect their turns. However, players must use this wisely as rivals continue to move forward during rewinds.
Mario Kart World Screenshots
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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World offers two primary race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The familiar Grand Prix mode sees players competing across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The transition between courses is now seamless, enhancing the game's open-world feel. Completing all cups might unlock a special "colorful course," hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.
Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style race where players must reach checkpoints within a set time or face elimination. The last driver standing in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally emerges victorious.
Mario Kart World Free Roam
Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World allows players to explore the map at their leisure, without the pressure of racing. Discovering P Switches activates blue coins and initiates missions that enhance racing skills. Hidden treasures such as Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and a photo mode lets players capture their adventures.
Visiting Yoshi's restaurant adds a fun twist, where players can enjoy "Dash Food" to gain speed boosts and themed outfits inspired by dishes like cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.
Playing Mario Kart World with Friends
Mario Kart World offers multiple ways to enjoy the game with friends, including four-player local play, local wireless for up to eight players, and online play for up to 24 players. Between races, players can explore the map together, fast-travel to friends' locations, and engage in custom battles or races. The Photo Mode is also available for capturing moments with friends.
GameChat enhances the social experience, allowing voice communication and live video reactions for players with compatible cameras. On a single system, the camera can detect up to four faces, making multiplayer sessions even more engaging.
Modes -----Beyond the main race modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data, customizable VS Mode for team races, and the classic Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.
Items
While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, new additions such as the Coin Shell, Ice Flower, Hammers, Mega Mushroom, Feather, and Kamek item promise to shake up the gameplay. These items offer new strategies for both offense and defense on the tracks.
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 customizable camera settings, ensuring everyone can enjoy the thrill of the race.
For more in-depth insights, be sure to 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.
