Nintendo has recently unveiled an exciting Mario Kart World Direct, providing a wealth of new information about the launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive guide compiles all the essential details from the Direct, aiming to ease the anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the game's arrival.
Courses -------Mario Kart World promises an extensive array of new and classic courses seamlessly integrated into its expansive world map. The Direct introduced several tracks, such as Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. For veteran players, the excitement lies in the reimagined classic courses, designed to offer fresh experiences while feeling at home in this new, vast world.
Characters and New Techniques
With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World boasts a diverse roster of characters. The Direct showcased an impressive 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.
The game introduces new driving techniques to enhance the racing experience. The Charge Jump allows players to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another thrilling addition is the Rewind feature, enabling players to retry hidden paths or improve their turns. However, players must be cautious, as rivals continue to move normally during rewinds, potentially leading to new challenges.
Mario Kart World Screenshots
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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World features two primary racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The familiar Grand Prix mode requires players to compete in multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, players will transition seamlessly between courses without returning to a menu, thanks to the game's open structure. Completing all Grand Prix Cups may unlock a challenging "colorful course," hinting at the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.
Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style mode where racers must reach checkpoints within a set time to avoid elimination. The last driver 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 without the pressure of racing. Players can discover P Switches, collect blue coins, and engage in skill-enhancing missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await discovery, and a photo mode lets players capture memorable moments.
Visiting Yoshi's restaurant adds a fun twist, where players can acquire "Dash Food" for speed boosts and themed outfits inspired by dishes like cheeseburgers, sushi, and ice cream.
Playing Mario Kart World with Friends
Mario Kart World offers multiple ways to enjoy the game 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 with up to 24 players worldwide. Friends can also explore the world together in Free Roam mode, with the ability to see each other's locations on the map and fast travel to join in races, battles, or casual exploration. The Photo Mode is available for capturing moments with friends, and GameChat enhances the experience with live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.
Modes -----In addition to the main racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data competition, customizable VS Mode with up to four teams, and the return of Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.
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 trail of coins, the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size transformation, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.
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 Vertical and Horizontal Camera settings.
For more insights, explore our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, learn how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and read our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.
