Nintendo's recent Mario Kart World Direct has unveiled a wealth of new information about the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This article compiles all the essential details from the Direct to keep you excited and informed as you await the game's launch.

Mario Kart World promises an expansive map with a mix of new and reimagined classic courses. Among the courses showcased are 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 tracks brought to life in new ways, offering fresh experiences on familiar circuits.

Characters and New Techniques

With support for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts an extensive roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many others such as 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.

The game introduces new techniques to enhance gameplay, such as the Charge Jump, which allows players to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another exciting feature is the Rewind function, which lets players retry sections of the race to improve their performance or discover hidden paths. However, players must be cautious as rivals continue moving during rewinds, potentially leading to new challenges.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two main race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players compete in a series of races to win cups such as the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The seamless transition between courses enhances the experience, thanks to the game's open world structure. Completing all cups might unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, now featuring new challenges like cars shooting bullet bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour is a thrilling battle-royale-style mode where racers must reach checkpoints in time or face 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 vast world of Mario Kart without the pressure of racing. Players can discover P Switches that activate blue coins, initiating missions that challenge and improve their skills. Hidden collectibles like Peach Medallions and secret panels add to the exploration fun. Additionally, a photo mode is available for capturing memorable moments.

Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that not only boosts speed but also provides themed outfits inspired by various dishes such as cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, and more.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World encourages social play with various multiplayer options. Up to four players can play on a single system, while local wireless supports up to eight players across two systems. Online play allows up to 24 players from around the world to compete. Friends can also free roam together, battle, race with custom rules, or simply explore the map. The Photo Mode is available for capturing fun moments with friends.

GameChat enhances the multiplayer experience by allowing voice communication and live video reactions for players with compatible cameras. On a single system, the camera can detect up to four faces.

In addition to the main race modes, players can enjoy Time Trials with the option to race against global ghost data online. VS Mode offers extensive customization and supports up to four teams of racers. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Mario Kart World brings back familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, alongside new additions such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins. Other new items include the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, Hammers for attacking and blocking, a Mega Mushroom to grow players, a Feather for jumping to avoid attacks, and a Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

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 for both vertical and horizontal views.

For more insights, check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and our comprehensive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.