Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of new information about the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, through their Mario Kart World Direct. This detailed showcase has provided fans with an in-depth look at characters, courses, races, secrets, and much more. As we count down the days until the game's release alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, let's dive into everything you need to know about Mario Kart World.

Courses

Mario Kart World promises an expansive interconnected map filled with a mix of new and reimagined classic courses. Some of the highlighted tracks include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. What's particularly exciting for veteran players is the way older courses have been revamped to seamlessly integrate into this expansive new world, providing fresh takes on beloved classics.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts an impressive 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.

Driving these characters will be even more thrilling thanks to new techniques like 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 tricky sections or better navigate hidden paths, though players should be cautious as rivals continue moving normally during a rewind.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World introduces two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix offers the classic racing experience with players competing across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, players will seamlessly transition from course to course, enhancing the experience within the game's open-world structure. Completing all cups might unlock a challenging "colorful course," hinting at the return of Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style race across Mario Kart World's map, where racers must reach checkpoints within a certain time frame or face 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 world without the pressure of racing. This mode introduces P Switches, which activate blue coins and missions to enhance your skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and a photo mode allows you to capture your adventures. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant lets you pick up "Dash Food" for speed boosts and themed outfits, ranging from cheeseburgers to sushi.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing with friends in Mario Kart World is more engaging than ever, offering various multiplayer options. You can have up to four players on one system, local wireless play with up to eight players using two systems, or online play with up to 24 players worldwide. Additionally, you can free roam with friends, fast travel to their location, and engage in custom races or battles. The Photo Mode and GameChat, which includes live video reactions, further enhance the social experience.

Modes

Beyond the main racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with an online feature to race against ghost data from other players. VS Mode offers extensive customization, allowing up to four teams to compete. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, adding to the variety of gameplay experiences.

Items

Familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, but Mario Kart World also introduces new items such as the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins, the Ice Flower to freeze opponents, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size boosts, the Feather for jumping to avoid attacks, and the Kamek item that 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 adjustable camera settings. These features aim to make the game accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

For more insights, check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates leading up to the launch of Mario Kart World on June 5, 2025.