Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo has unveiled exciting new details about the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, *Mario Kart World*, through a recent Mario Kart World Direct. This comprehensive reveal has given fans a deep dive into the game's characters, courses, races, secrets, and more. Here's everything you need to know to keep you excited until the game's launch on June 5, 2025, alongside the Nintendo Switch 2.

Mario Kart World will offer a thrilling mix of new and classic courses, seamlessly integrated into an expansive, interconnected map. The Direct introduced us to several tracks, such as 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 learn that classic courses have been reimagined to fit harmoniously within this vast new world, providing fresh experiences on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capability to support up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World boasts an extensive roster of characters. The Direct showcased a diverse lineup, 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.

New driving techniques promise to enhance the gameplay experience. The Charge Jump allows players to dodge enemy attacks, reach higher areas, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Another exciting addition, Rewind, lets players retry specific sections of a race, such as reaching hidden paths or perfecting turns. However, players must use this feature cautiously, as rivals will continue to move normally during a rewind, potentially causing more chaos.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World features two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix follows the traditional format where players race across multiple courses to win cups such as the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This mode now allows seamless transitions between courses, enhancing the game's open-world feel. Completing all cups may unlock a special "colorful course," hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like cars that fire Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. launching hammers.

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

Mario Kart World Free Roam

The Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World offers players the freedom to explore without the pressure of competition. As you roam, you'll discover P Switches that activate blue coins and trigger missions designed to enhance your driving skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await those willing to explore. Additionally, a Photo Mode allows players to capture their adventures.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant adds a fun twist, as players can obtain "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits inspired by various dishes, such as cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World is designed to be a social experience, offering multiple ways to play with friends. Options include four-player local play on a single system, local wireless play with up to eight players across two systems, and online play supporting up to 24 players worldwide. Between races, players can free roam together, seeing friends' locations on the map and fast-traveling to join them. Custom battles, races, and exploration are all possible, with Photo Mode available for group shots. GameChat enhances the social experience, allowing voice communication and live video reactions, with support for detecting up to four faces on a single system.

In addition to Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with an online component, allowing players to race against global ghost data. VS Mode offers extensive customization and supports up to four teams. Battle Mode returns with classic competitions like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Alongside familiar items such as Bullet Bill and Lightning, Mario Kart World introduces new items like the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins. Other new additions include the Ice Flower for freezing enemies, Hammers for attacking and blocking paths, the Mega Mushroom for size increase, the Feather for jumping to avoid attacks, and the Kamek item, which transforms players into mysterious forms.

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, check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, learn how Nintendo justifies the game's $80 price tag, and read our extensive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.