Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo's Mario Kart World Direct has unveiled an exciting array of details about the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive overview compiles all the essential information from the Direct, aiming to enhance your anticipation as we countdown to the game's debut.

Mario Kart World promises an expansive and interconnected map filled with both 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. Fans will be thrilled to know that older courses have been meticulously updated to seamlessly blend into the new world, providing fresh experiences on familiar tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World introduces a diverse 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.

Adding to the excitement are new techniques such as the Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another innovative feature is Rewind, enabling players to retry sections to discover hidden paths or perfect turns, though careful use is advised as rivals continue their normal progression during rewinds.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World features two primary 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 a seamless transition between courses, enhancing the game's open-world feel. Completing all cups might unlock a challenging "colorful course," likely Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles like cars that launch bullet bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style race across the map, where players must reach checkpoints within time limits 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 offers a more relaxed experience, allowing players to explore the map at their leisure. Discover hundreds of P Switches to activate blue coins and engage in missions that enhance your racing skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and a photo mode lets you capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant adds a fun twist, where you can pick up "Dash Food" to boost your speed and gain themed outfits.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World shines when played with friends, offering multiple play options. Enjoy local multiplayer with up to four players on one system, local wireless play with up to eight players across two systems, or online play with up to 24 players worldwide. Friends can join you in free roam between races, allowing for spontaneous battles, custom races, or simply exploring together, with photo mode enhancing shared experiences. GameChat integrates voice and video communication, adding a social layer to the gameplay.

Beyond the main modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data, customizable VS Mode allowing up to four teams, and the classic Battle Mode with competitions like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, new additions such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins, the Ice Flower to freeze opponents, Hammers for blocking and attacking, the Mega Mushroom for size advantage, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations, enrich the gameplay.

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 more insights, explore our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, the justification behind its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.