Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a treasure trove of new information about *Mario Kart World*, the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive Mario Kart World Direct has provided us with detailed insights into the game's characters, courses, races, and innovative features that promise to redefine the beloved racing franchise.

This roundup compiles all the essential details shared during the Direct, aiming to ease the excitement and anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the game's launch.

*Mario Kart World* is set to feature an extensive array of both new and classic courses seamlessly integrated into its expansive map. Some of the highlighted courses include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. What's particularly thrilling for veteran players is the reimagining of older courses to harmoniously blend with the game's vast new world, promising fresh experiences on familiar tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per event, *Mario Kart World* boasts a diverse roster to keep the competition lively. Characters revealed in the Direct include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and a host of others 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.

The gameplay is enhanced with new techniques like the Charge Jump, allowing racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another exciting feature is the Rewind function, which gives players the chance to retry tricky sections or take better turns. However, players must use it wisely as rivals continue to move, potentially leading to new challenges.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

*Mario Kart World* introduces two primary race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix offers the traditional racing experience where players compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The seamless transition from course to course, thanks to the game's open structure, promises a fluid and engaging experience. Completing all the cups might unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like Bullet Bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour, on the other hand, introduces a battle royale-style race across Mario Kart World's map, with players needing to reach checkpoints in time to avoid elimination. The ultimate goal is to be the last racer standing in thrilling events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

The Free Roam mode in *Mario Kart World* allows players to explore the game's world without the pressure of racing. Players can discover P Switches to activate blue coins, engage in skill-enhancing missions, and find hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and hidden panels. Additionally, the Photo Mode lets players capture memorable moments during their exploration.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant adds a fun twist, offering "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits inspired by dishes like cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

*Mario Kart World* is designed to be enjoyed with friends, offering multiple play options. Players can enjoy local multiplayer with up to four players on one system, local wireless play with up to eight players using two systems, or online play with up to 24 players worldwide. The game also allows for free roaming with friends, enabling players to see each other's locations on the map, fast travel, and engage in custom races or battles. The integrated GameChat feature enhances the social aspect, allowing voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.

In addition to the main race modes, *Mario Kart World* offers Time Trials with the option to race against ghost data online, and a customizable VS Mode where players can form up to four teams. Battle Mode returns with popular competitions like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, adding to the game's diverse multiplayer options.

Items

Alongside familiar items such as Bullet Bill and Lightning, *Mario Kart World* introduces new items like the Coin Shell, which can disrupt opponents and leave a trail of collectible coins. Other new items include the Ice Flower for freezing enemies, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size transformation, the Feather for jumping to avoid attacks, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

To cater to players of all skill levels, *Mario Kart World* includes support features such as Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings, ensuring everyone can enjoy the racing action.

For more insights, don't miss our hands-on preview of *Mario Kart World*, the reasoning behind its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen discussing the Nintendo Switch 2.