Mario Kart's Hidden Mirror Mode in Free Roam

Mario Kart World enthusiasts have uncovered a clever method to race through the game's open world in Mirror Mode—and the entry technique pays homage to a beloved Nintendo platformer classic.

Recall warping through paintings in Princess Peach’s Castle from Super Mario 64? Similarly, by driving over and climbing the same royal rooftop, you can access Mirror Mode in Free Roam within Mario Kart World.

A quick heads-up: You must have Mirror Mode unlocked in Mario Kart World’s main game before this hidden feature becomes accessible. IGN confirmed through testing that attempting this secret without unlocking Mirror Mode first yields no results.

So, if you haven’t already, unlock the Mirror Mode option for Grand Prix and Knockout Tour by finishing every cup on 150cc and completing several P-Switches, Peach Medallions, and Question Panels while exploring Free Roam.

Once Mirror Mode is available, you can start your quest to explore Free Roam in this mirrored state as well.

Load the central Princess Stadium course in Free Roam (remember, fast travel there using the Y button on the world map) and veer off the ascending road with the castle on your right. Aim to land on the large red rooftop below, then navigate toward the main turret. Ahead lies a grand stained-glass window depicting Princess Peach—and you’ll know exactly what comes next.

Driving straight through the window triggers a Mario 64 painting-style ripple effect, transporting you into a mirrored version of Mario Kart World’s open world. Voilà! Even your world map appears flipped.

Watch the full reveal in the embedded video below:

Some nice Mirror Mode Easter egg haha pic.twitter.com/7q5GIqZ91l

— Ninjinaut (@Ninjinaut) June 7, 2025

Earlier this week, players completing Mario Kart World noticed that Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto was absent from the game’s credits—though his exclusion may not be entirely unexpected. Meanwhile, a farmer in Japan has praised the game's depiction of its popular Cow character, specifically highlighting its delightfully muddy rear.

Explore our Mario Kart World guide to learn how to unlock every hidden character and understand Kamek Unlocks, which are essential for recruiting NPC Drivers. We’ve also compiled a guide to locating all food items scattered throughout the open world, helping you permanently acquire every Mario Kart World outfit and costume.