Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, during their Mario Kart World Direct. This comprehensive overview captures all the essential highlights from the event, providing fans with a detailed preview as they eagerly await the game's release on June 5, 2025, alongside the new console.

Mario Kart World promises an extensive array of both new and classic courses, seamlessly integrated into its expansive world map. Notable courses revealed include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. A thrilling aspect for veteran players is the innovative reimagining of older courses, designed to blend seamlessly with the new world, offering a fresh take on beloved classics.

Characters and New Techniques

To accommodate up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts an impressive roster of characters, 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.

The gameplay is enhanced with new driving techniques such as the Charge Jump, allowing racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride walls briefly. Another exciting feature is the Rewind mechanic, enabling players 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 introduces two main race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The Grand Prix mode offers the traditional multi-race format to win cups like the Mushroom and Flower Cups, with a seamless transition between courses thanks to the game's open structure. Conquering all cups might unlock a challenging "colorful course," potentially hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, featuring new obstacles like bullet bill-shooting cars and hammer-throwing Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour, on the other hand, adopts a battle royale style, requiring racers to reach checkpoints in time or face elimination, with the last driver standing declared the winner in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

In Free Roam mode, players can explore the vast world of Mario Kart without the pressure of racing. Discover numerous P Switches to activate blue coins and undertake skill-enhancing missions. Hidden treasures such as Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and the photo mode allows you to capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant lets you enjoy "Dash Food" for speed boosts and themed outfits inspired by dishes like cheeseburgers, sushi, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing with friends enhances the Mario Kart World experience, offering multiple multiplayer options. Enjoy four-player local play, local wireless for up to eight players across two systems, or connect with up to 24 players worldwide via Online Play. The game also allows for free roaming with friends between races, with the ability to see and fast travel to their locations on the map. Customize battles or races, explore together, and use Photo Mode to capture shared moments. GameChat integrates seamlessly, allowing voice communication and live video reactions with compatible cameras.

In addition to the main race modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials, where players can compete against global ghost data online. VS Mode offers extensive customization, supporting up to four teams. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Mario Kart World brings back familiar items such as Bullet Bill and Lightning, alongside new additions like the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course while leaving a coin trail, the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, Hammers for attack and defense, the Mega Mushroom for size advantage, the Feather for jumping, and the 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, explore our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, understand how Nintendo justifies the game's $80 price tag, and delve into our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.