Nintendo's latest 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 overview will keep you updated and help ease the anticipation until the big day.
Courses -------Mario Kart World promises an expansive interconnected map with a mix of new and reimagined classic courses. Highlights include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. For veteran players, the classic courses have been revitalized to seamlessly blend into the game's expansive world, offering fresh takes on beloved tracks.
Characters and New Techniques
With support for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World boasts an impressive roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more. The Direct showcased a diverse lineup that promises varied racing experiences.
New driving techniques add layers of excitement. The Charge Jump feature allows racers to evade attacks, reach higher platforms, grind on rails, and even wall-ride temporarily. Another standout is the Rewind mechanic, enabling players to retry tricky sections or take different routes, though it's crucial to use it wisely as rivals continue their normal progression.
Mario Kart World Screenshots
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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World introduces two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players will compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with seamless transitions between courses for a more immersive experience. Completing all Grand Prix Cups may unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges such as cars that launch Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. hurling hammers.
Knockout Tour brings a battle royale twist, where racers must navigate from one end of the map to the other, staying within designated checkpoints to avoid elimination. The ultimate goal is to be the last driver standing in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.
Mario Kart World Free Roam
Free Roam mode allows players to explore the world without the pressure of competition. Discover hidden elements like P Switches, which activate blue coins and initiate skill-enhancing missions. Hidden collectibles, such as Peach Medallions and secret panels, add to the exploration fun. A dedicated Photo Mode lets you capture memorable moments, while visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides unique outfits inspired by your chosen meal.
Playing Mario Kart World with Friends
Mario Kart World enhances multiplayer fun with various play options. You can enjoy four-player split-screen on a single system, local wireless play with up to eight players (using two systems), or join up to 24 players online. Between races, you can freely roam with friends, engage in custom battles or races, and even use Photo Mode together. GameChat integrates voice and video communication, with camera support for up to four players on a single system.
Modes -----Beyond the main racing modes, Mario Kart World offers Time Trials with online ghost data for global competition, and a customizable VS Mode that supports up to four teams. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.
Items
The game retains beloved items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, and introduces fresh additions such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course while dropping coins, the Ice Flower for freezing opponents, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size increase, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.
Support Features
Nintendo aims to make Mario Kart World accessible to all skill levels with features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and customizable camera settings.
For more insights, check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, an analysis of its $80 price tag, and an exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.
