Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo's latest Mario Kart World Direct has given us an exciting glimpse into the upcoming launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive overview covers everything from new characters and courses to innovative gameplay features, ensuring fans are well-prepared for the game's arrival.

Mario Kart World promises 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. Fans of the series will be thrilled to know that older courses have been revamped to seamlessly integrate into this expansive new world, offering fresh experiences on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World introduces a diverse roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more, ensuring a varied selection for players. The Direct showcased new techniques like the Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge attacks, access higher places, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Additionally, the Rewind feature lets players retry tricky sections or hidden paths, though it requires careful use as rivals continue to race normally during rewinds.

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. The familiar Grand Prix mode involves competing in multiple races across the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, and more, with a seamless transition between courses. Completing all Grand Prix Cups may unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, now featuring new challenges 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, culminating in thrilling 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 leisure, discovering P Switches, blue coins, and engaging in skill-enhancing missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and a photo mode lets players capture memorable moments. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" for speed boosts and themed outfits, adding a fun twist to the exploration.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World enhances the multiplayer experience with various options, including four-player local play, local wireless with up to eight players, and online play supporting up to 24 racers. Friends can also enjoy Free Roam together, with the ability to see each other's locations on the map and fast travel for spontaneous races or battles. The GameChat feature integrates voice and video communication, enhancing the social aspect of the game.

Beyond the main racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data for competitive play, customizable VS Mode for team races, and a revamped Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

The game retains classic items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, while introducing new ones such as 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 play, the Mega Mushroom for size advantage, 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 the Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings, ensuring everyone can enjoy the game at their own pace.

For more insights, be sure to check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, an analysis of its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.