Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Title Announcements

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of new information about the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, in their latest Mario Kart World Direct. This comprehensive showcase provided exciting insights into characters, courses, races, secrets, and much more, fueling the anticipation for the game's release on June 5, 2025, alongside the new console.

This article compiles all the essential details from the Direct to keep you informed and excited as we count down to the launch.

Mario Kart World introduces an expansive map featuring a mix of new and reimagined classic courses. Among those showcased are Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. For fans of the franchise, the reimagined versions of older courses promise fresh experiences while maintaining the essence of the originals.

Characters and New Techniques

With the ability to host up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts a diverse lineup of characters including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more such as 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.

Players can enhance their racing experience with new techniques like Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another exciting feature is Rewind, enabling players to retry sections of the race to perfect their path or avoid mistakes, though it's crucial to use this wisely as rivals continue to move forward.

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. In Grand Prix, players compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with seamless transitions between courses thanks to the game's open-world structure. Completing all 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 race where players must reach checkpoints in time to avoid elimination, culminating in thrilling finales 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 their adventures. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits, from cheeseburgers to ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Mario Kart World enhances multiplayer experiences with options for four players on one system, local wireless play for up to eight players, and online play for up to 24 players. Friends can also explore the world together, engage in custom battles or races, and use Photo Mode to capture moments. GameChat integrates voice and video communication, allowing players to see each other's reactions during gameplay.

Beyond the main modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data, customizable VS Mode for team races, and the return of Battle Mode with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, new additions such as the Coin Shell, Ice Flower, Hammers, Mega Mushroom, Feather, and Kamek item offer fresh strategic options for players.

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 insights, don't miss 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.