Nintendo has unveiled extensive new information about Mario Kart World, which will serve as a major launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. The latest Mario Kart-focused Direct showcased a wide array of gameplay elements, characters, race types, exploration options, and more—giving fans a deeper look at what to expect from this expansive new entry in the beloved series.
Updated Courses – A Mix of Classic and New
Mario Kart World introduces a broad lineup of courses, blending fresh tracks with reimagined classics. Among those shown were Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad’s Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. The returning courses have been redesigned to fit seamlessly into the game’s large, interconnected map, creating new challenges for returning players while honoring the originals.
Expansive Character Roster and Fresh Racing Techniques
With support for up to 24 racers in a single match, Mario Kart World includes a vast selection of characters. Some of those featured include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, King Boo, Donkey Kong, Bowser, Wario, Pauline, Toadette, Shy Guy, and many others—including unique picks like Piranha Plant and Hammer Bro.
The game also adds new mechanics to deepen gameplay. Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach elevated sections, and grind along rails. Another standout feature, Rewind, lets players reverse briefly to retry a turn or reach a hidden path. However, rivals continue moving in real-time, so careless use may backfire.
Race Modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World features two primary race modes—Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix follows the traditional cup format but with a twist: players now seamlessly drive between tracks within the same open world, eliminating the need to return to a menu.
Upon completing every Grand Prix Cup, a secret course—believed to be Rainbow Road—may unlock. This final challenge will include dynamic hazards like bullet bill-shooting cars and aggressive Hammer Bros.
Knockout Tour, meanwhile, takes inspiration from elimination-style gameplay. Players must stay ahead and reach checkpoints across the map. Failure to meet position requirements results in elimination, with victory going to the last racer standing in themed events such as the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.
Exploring in Free Roam Mode
In Free Roam mode, players can traverse the Mario Kart World map without the pressure of finishing first. Exploration is rewarded with interactive elements such as P Switches, which trigger blue coins and missions designed to enhance player skills.
Explorers will also come across Peach Medallions, hidden panels, and other collectibles. A built-in Photo Mode allows for capturing scenic or silly moments. Additionally, visiting Yoshi’s restaurant enables racers to collect “Dash Food” for speed boosts and themed outfits—examples include sushi, pizza, roasted meat, and more.
Multiplayer and Social Features
Mario Kart World offers an array of multiplayer options. Local play supports up to four players on a single console, and up to eight using local wireless. Online multiplayer allows up to 24 participants from around the globe.
Players can also explore the open map together between races, jump to friends’ locations, and start custom events. Group Photo Mode is available during free roam. Another new element, GameChat, enables real-time voice and video interaction for players with compatible cameras. When using one system, the game can recognize up to four faces.
Additional Game Modes
Several extra modes add variety. Time Trials allow players to test skills against ghost data from others online. VS Mode includes deep customization, including team-based races with up to four squads.
Battle Mode also returns, featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle for classic chaos-filled fun.
New and Returning Items
Mario Kart staples like Bullet Bill and Lightning are back, joined by new power-ups. The Coin Shell knocks out opponents and leaves a trail of coins to collect. Other additions include:
- Ice Flower – freezes rivals
- Hammer – clears paths and stuns foes
- Mega Mushroom – grows players to giant size
- Feather – enables quick jumps over obstacles
- Kamek Item – summons Kamek to cast a random effect
Features That Support All Skill Levels
To make the game accessible to a wider range of players, several support options have been included. These features include Smart Steering, Auto-Accelerate, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con wheels), Auto-Use Item, and camera adjustments for both vertical and horizontal views.
Mario Kart World looks to offer something for every kind of player—from competitive racers to laid-back explorers—all within a richly designed, interconnected game world launching alongside Nintendo’s next-generation console.
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