Mario Kart World Direct Unveils Key Highlights

The recent Mario Kart World Direct unveiled exciting new details for the upcoming installment in the beloved kart-racing series. Dive in to discover the game's expansive free-roam world and its standout features.

Mario Kart World Direct Highlights

An Interconnected World

Nintendo hosted the Mario Kart World Direct on April 17, showcasing numerous gameplay aspects. Players can now drive through Mario Kart World, exploring both familiar locales and brand-new regions.

As Nintendo explained, "In Mario Kart World, racetracks are seamlessly connected by roads, letting players travel from one course to the next and experience the journey in between."

Explore the Mushroom Kingdom like never before, taking in stunning scenery and iconic landmarks. Hidden items and missions await as you roam, offering chances to hone your driving skills beyond traditional races.

The Direct revealed a mix of new and classic courses, such as Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. Returning courses have been refreshed to fit seamlessly into this new adventure.

Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Two primary racing modes are available: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Both support up to 24 racers—a series first. Drivers must stay alert for hazards like Bullet Bill-firing vehicles and attacks from Hammer Bros.

In Grand Prix, players compete in four consecutive races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, and Star Cup. Unlike previous entries, you'll need to travel to each subsequent race location to continue. Completing all cups unlocks a special "colorful course," rumored to be Rainbow Road.

The new Knockout Tour mode takes players on a cross-country rally. This survival-style challenge requires finishing each race to advance; fall behind, and you're out for good.

Items, Characters, and More

Mario Kart World introduces new items alongside returning favorites. Look out for the Coin Shell, which knocks rivals aside and leaves a trail of coins; the Ice Flower, freezing opponents on contact; and the Big Mushroom, which enlarges your racer to squash competition.

Join a vibrant roster including Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, plus newcomers like Goomba, Spike, and even Cow. Each character features alternate costumes hidden throughout the world for players to unlock.

Playing With Friends

Multiple game modes offer endless fun. Time Trials let you compete against ghost data from players worldwide. VS Mode supports deep customization, including team-based races. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners—where collecting the most coins wins—and Balloon Battle, a last-kart-standing showdown.

Enjoy local split-screen play for up to four players on one system, or connect via local wireless for eight players (two per Switch 2). The Switch 2's GameChat feature enables voice chat and screen sharing.

Accessibility options include Smart Steering to prevent falls, Auto-accelerate for effortless driving, motion-sensitive Tilt controls, and support for the new Joy-Con 2 Wheel for an immersive feel.

Mario Kart World redefines kart racing with its open-world exploration, inviting players to freely discover the Mushroom Kingdom. The game launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. For the latest updates, check our article below!