Nintendo's recent Mario Kart World Direct has given fans a comprehensive look at the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This Direct unveiled an array of exciting details about characters, courses, races, and more, which we've compiled into this comprehensive guide to help you prepare for the game's launch.

Mario Kart World will boast an expansive interconnected map featuring both new and reimagined classic courses. Some of the exciting tracks revealed include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. These courses promise fresh experiences, even for seasoned Mario Kart players, as they've been thoughtfully reimagined to seamlessly integrate into the game's vast new world.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World introduces a diverse roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many others like 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 that enhance gameplay. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher platforms, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Another innovative feature, Rewind, enables players to retry a section, perfecting their path or avoiding mistakes, although rivals continue moving, adding an element of strategy.

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. Grand Prix retains the traditional format where players compete across multiple races for cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, but now with seamless transitions between courses due to the game's open-world structure. Conquering all cups may unlock the challenging Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles like bullet-bill shooting cars and Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale style race where players must reach checkpoints in time or face elimination, with the last racer standing declared the winner in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

The Free Roam mode offers a more relaxed experience, allowing players to explore the world at their leisure. Discover P Switches, blue coins, and various missions that enhance skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and a photo mode lets you capture your adventures. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant also adds fun, with "Dash Food" items that boost speed and provide themed outfits.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World offers multiple ways to enjoy the game with friends, including local multiplayer for up to four players on a single system, local wireless play for up to eight players, and online play for up to 24 racers worldwide. Players can also free roam with friends, engage in custom battles or races, and use Photo Mode together. GameChat enhances the social experience, allowing voice communication and live video reactions among players.

In addition to the main modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data competition, customizable VS Mode for up to four teams, and the return of Battle Mode with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Alongside returning 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, the Ice Flower to freeze opponents, Hammers for offensive and defensive use, the Mega Mushroom for size transformation, the Feather for jumps, 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 camera settings.

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