Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo's latest Mario Kart World Direct has unveiled an exciting array of details about the upcoming launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive overview captures everything you need to know to fuel your anticipation until the game's launch.

Mario Kart World promises an expansive interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. Highlights from the Direct 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 see these classic courses revamped to seamlessly integrate into the new world, offering fresh experiences on familiar tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts a diverse roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more, ensuring a varied and engaging racing experience. The Direct showcased a range of characters from Baby Peach to Piranha Plant, each bringing their unique flair to the game.

New driving techniques add depth to the gameplay. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, and even ride on walls temporarily. The Rewind feature is a game-changer, enabling players to retry tricky sections or take better turns, 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 introduces two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix offers the traditional multi-race format, with players competing for cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The seamless transition between courses enhances the experience, thanks to the game's open-world structure. Conquering all cups may unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour, a battle-royale-inspired mode, challenges players to race across the map, reaching checkpoints in time to avoid elimination. The last racer standing wins in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

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 await, and a photo mode lets you capture your adventures. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, from cheeseburgers to ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World excels in multiplayer, offering various ways to play with friends. Options include four-player local play, local wireless for up to eight players, and online play for up to 24 racers. Friends can also join in Free Roam, allowing for spontaneous races, battles, or exploration. The GameChat feature enhances the social experience, enabling voice and video communication during play.

In addition to the main 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

The game retains beloved items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, while introducing new ones such as the Coin Shell, Ice Flower, Hammers, Mega Mushroom, Feather, and the Kamek item, which adds a mysterious transformation element to races.

Support Features

To cater to players of all skill levels, Mario Kart World includes support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls, Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings, ensuring everyone can enjoy the thrill of the race.

For more insights, explore our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, the reasoning behind its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.