Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a treasure trove of information about Mario Kart World, the eagerly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This Mario Kart World Direct provided a deep dive into characters, courses, races, secrets, and much more, fueling excitement among fans worldwide.

This comprehensive roundup encapsulates all the essential details from the Direct, helping to ease the anticipation as we count down the days until launch.

Mario Kart World boasts an expansive interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. The Direct showcased several exciting tracks, including Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. These reimagined classics promise fresh experiences while maintaining the charm of the originals, offering a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World introduces a diverse lineup of characters. The Direct highlighted favorites like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Daisy, alongside others such as Yoshi, 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.

Enhancing the gameplay are new techniques such as the Charge Jump, which allows players to dodge attacks, reach new heights, grind rails, and even ride along walls temporarily. Additionally, the Rewind feature offers a second chance to navigate hidden paths or perfect turns, although players must remain vigilant as rivals continue to move forward during rewinds.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Two main race modes, Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, offer varied gameplay experiences. Grand Prix retains the traditional format, requiring players to compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The seamless transition between courses enhances the immersive experience, thanks to the game's open structure. Conquering all cups unlocks 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 within a set time or face elimination. The ultimate goal is to be the last driver standing in races like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

Free Roam mode offers a relaxed exploration of the vast Mario Kart World map. Players can discover P Switches that activate blue coins and initiate skill-enhancing missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels add to the adventure. The mode also features a photo mode, allowing players to capture their favorite moments.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant adds a delightful twist, where players can pick up "Dash Food" for a speed boost and themed outfits inspired by meals such as cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing Mario Kart World with friends promises to be a highlight, with numerous options for multiplayer engagement. Players can enjoy four-player split-screen, local wireless play with up to eight players, or connect with up to 24 players worldwide in Online Play. The game allows friends to free roam together, battle or race with custom rules, and even use Photo Mode to capture shared moments.

GameChat enhances the social experience, enabling voice communication and live video reactions, with the camera capable of detecting up to four faces on a single system.

In addition to Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials, allowing players to race against global ghost data, and VS Mode, which offers extensive customization options for up to four teams. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, ensuring diverse competitive experiences.

Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, Mario Kart World introduces new items such as the Coin Shell, which can knock rivals off course while leaving a trail of coins. Other additions include the Ice Flower to freeze enemies, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom to increase size, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

Mario Kart World aims to cater to players of all skill levels with support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings. These features ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

For a deeper dive into Mario Kart World, explore our hands-on preview, insights on the $80 price tag justification, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.