Mario Kart World Direct Unveiled: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo's recent Mario Kart World Direct has unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the upcoming launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive roundup captures all the essential information from the Direct, designed to keep fans engaged and informed as they eagerly await the game's launch.

Mario Kart World introduces an expansive, interconnected map filled with both new and classic courses. The Direct showcased several of these, including Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. For veteran players, the reimagined classic courses promise a fresh take on beloved tracks, seamlessly integrating them into the expansive new world.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per event, Mario Kart World features a diverse roster of characters. The Direct highlighted a variety of racers, 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 driving techniques add depth to the gameplay. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. The Rewind feature offers players a chance to retry tricky sections or take better turns, though it's crucial to use it wisely as rivals continue to move forward.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two primary racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with seamless transitions between courses thanks to the game's open structure. Completing all cups may unlock a challenging "colorful course," hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style race where players must reach checkpoints in time to avoid elimination, culminating in thrilling finales 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 await, and a photo mode lets players capture their 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 enhances multiplayer experiences with various options. Players can enjoy four-player local play, local wireless with up to eight players, and online play with up to 24 racers. The game also allows friends to free roam together, battle or race with custom rules, and use Photo Mode. GameChat integrates voice and video communication, enhancing the social aspect of the game.

In addition to the main modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data, customizable VS Mode with up to four teams, and the return of Battle Mode with 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 introduce fresh strategic elements to the races.

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, explore our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, learn how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and read our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.