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 everything you need to know, helping you count down the days until the game's launch on June 5, 2025, alongside the Nintendo Switch 2.

Mario Kart World will feature an expansive array of both new and reimagined classic courses integrated into an interconnected map. Highlights from the Direct include 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 older courses have been creatively revamped to blend seamlessly with the game's vast new world, offering fresh takes on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the ability to have up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World boasts a diverse roster of characters, ensuring a varied gameplay experience. The Direct showcased characters such as 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, new driving techniques have been introduced. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach new heights, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another innovative feature is Rewind, which lets players retry tricky sections or take different paths, though it's worth noting that other racers continue moving during a rewind, potentially adding new challenges.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

The game features two main modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players race through multiple courses to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, the transition between races is seamless as players drive directly from one course to the next, enhancing the immersive experience. Completing all Grand Prix Cups may unlock a special "colorful course," likely Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-inspired mode where racers must reach checkpoints on time to avoid elimination. The last driver standing wins in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

In Free Roam mode, players can explore the map at their own pace, discovering hidden treasures such as P Switches that activate blue coins and initiate skill-enhancing missions. Hidden elements like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and a photo mode allows for capturing those perfect moments. Additionally, visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" to boost speed and themed outfits inspired by your meal choices, including cheeseburgers, sushi, and more.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing Mario Kart World with friends is set to be an exceptional experience, with multiple multiplayer options. Players can enjoy four-player split-screen on one system, local wireless play with up to eight players, and online play with up to 24 players worldwide. Friends can also explore the map together in Free Roam, engage in custom battles or races, and use Photo Mode to capture fun moments. GameChat enhances the social aspect, allowing voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.

Beyond the main modes, players can engage in Time Trials, racing against global ghost data, and VS Mode, which offers extensive customization and the ability to compete with multiple teams. Battle Mode returns with favorites like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, adding to the game's competitive variety.

Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, Mario Kart World introduces new items such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a coin trail, the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, Hammers to attack and block paths, the Mega Mushroom for size transformation, 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 with 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, check out 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.