Mario Kart World Direct Unveils Switch 2 Launch Details

Nintendo's Mario Kart World Direct has given us a detailed look at the upcoming launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive overview covers everything from characters and courses to new gameplay features and multiplayer options, ensuring you're fully prepared for the launch.

This roundup is designed to keep you excited and informed as we count down to the release date. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, there's plenty to look forward to in Mario Kart World.

Mario Kart World will feature an expansive interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. 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. These courses have been thoughtfully redesigned to integrate seamlessly into the new world, providing fresh experiences on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the ability to host up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World introduces a diverse roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more such as Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Baby Rosalina, Rosalina, Koopa, Rocky Wrench, and even unique additions like Cow and Pianta. This Direct showcased a variety of characters, ensuring that everyone can find their favorite.

New techniques enhance the driving experience, such as the Charge Jump, which allows players to dodge attacks, reach higher places, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another exciting addition is the Rewind feature, enabling players to retry tricky sections or take better turns, though players should be cautious as rivals continue to move during a rewind.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players will race through multiple courses to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with seamless transitions between courses thanks to the game's open structure. Completing all cups might unlock the challenging Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles like cars shooting Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour is a thrilling battle-royale-style mode where players race across the map, needing to reach checkpoints within a set time or face elimination. The last racer standing wins in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

The Free Roam mode allows players to explore the world at their own pace, discovering hidden elements like P Switches and blue coins, which trigger missions to enhance your racing skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and a photo mode lets you capture memorable moments.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant in Free Roam mode offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, such as those inspired by cheeseburgers, sushi, and pizza.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World offers multiple ways to enjoy the game with friends, including four-player local play, local wireless with up to eight players, and online play with up to 24 racers. Friends can also join you in Free Roam mode, where you can see their location on the map, fast travel to them, and engage in custom battles or races.

GameChat enhances the multiplayer experience, allowing players to communicate and even see each other's reactions live via video for those with compatible cameras. When playing locally, the camera can detect up to four faces, adding a fun social element to the game.

In addition to the main modes, players can engage in Time Trials, racing against global ghost data. VS Mode offers extensive customization, allowing up to four teams to compete. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, providing diverse ways to enjoy the game.

Items

Mario Kart World includes familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, alongside new additions such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins. Other new items include the Ice Flower for freezing enemies, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size enhancement, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

To ensure Mario Kart World is accessible to players of all skill levels, Nintendo has introduced support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings. These features aim to make the game enjoyable for everyone.

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