Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a treasure trove of details about Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, in a captivating Mario Kart World Direct. This comprehensive showcase has provided fans with a wealth of information on characters, courses, races, and secrets, helping to ease the anticipation until the game's launch on June 5, 2025.

Mario Kart World promises an exhilarating array of both new and classic courses seamlessly integrated into an expansive, interconnected map. The Direct introduced fans to an exciting lineup including 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 know that these classic courses have been reimagined to blend harmoniously with the game's new world, offering fresh and engaging experiences on familiar tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts an impressive roster of characters, ensuring a diverse and vibrant racing environment. The Direct highlighted 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.

Enhancing the driving experience are new techniques such as the Charge Jump, allowing racers to evade attacks, access higher places, and even ride along walls temporarily. A particularly exciting addition is the Rewind feature, which enables players to retry a section to discover hidden paths or improve their racing line. However, players must use this feature judiciously as opponents continue to race normally during a rewind, potentially leading to new challenges.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

The game features two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix mode offers the traditional racing experience, with players competing across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, players will transition smoothly from one course to another without returning to a menu, thanks to the game's open structure. Completing all Grand Prix Cups might unlock the legendary Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like cars firing Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. hurling hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-inspired mode where racers must navigate from one end of the map to the other, ensuring they reach designated checkpoints in time to avoid elimination. The last racer standing will claim victory in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

In Free Roam mode, players can explore Mario Kart World at their leisure, free from the pressure of racing. This mode is packed with hidden secrets, including P Switches that activate blue coins and trigger missions to enhance racing skills. Players can also find hidden coins like Peach Medallions and utilize a photo mode to capture memorable moments. A visit to Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits based on the meal, such as cheeseburgers, sushi, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing Mario Kart World with friends is set to be a highlight of the game, with multiple options for multiplayer engagement. Up to four players can race on a single system, while local wireless play supports up to eight players (two systems of four). Online Play allows up to 24 players from around the world to compete. Additionally, players can free roam with friends, using fast travel to join them for casual exploration or custom races and battles. The Photo Mode and GameChat feature, with live video reactions for those with compatible cameras, enhance the social experience.

In addition to the primary modes, Mario Kart World offers Time Trials with the ability to race against global ghost data online. VS Mode provides extensive customization options, allowing up to four teams to compete. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, ensuring varied and engaging gameplay.

Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, Mario Kart World introduces new items such as the Coin Shell, which can knock rivals off course and leave a trail of coins. Other new items include the Ice Flower for freezing opponents, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size increase, the Feather for jumping to avoid attacks, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

Mario Kart World aims to be accessible to players of all skill levels, incorporating support features 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 views.

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