Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a treasure trove of information about Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, through a detailed Mario Kart World Direct. This event showcased new characters, exciting courses, innovative races, and hidden secrets, building anticipation ahead of the game's release on June 5, 2025, alongside the Nintendo Switch 2.

This comprehensive guide aims to cover everything revealed in the Direct, helping fans bridge the gap until the game's launch.

Mario Kart World introduces an expansive interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. Highlights from the Direct include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. Returning players will be thrilled to see these older courses revamped to seamlessly integrate into the new world, offering fresh experiences on beloved tracks.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World boasts a diverse roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more, ensuring a variety of playstyles. The Direct showcased new techniques like the Charge Jump, which allows players to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Another exciting feature is the Rewind mechanic, enabling players to retry tricky sections or take better turns, though it's crucial to use it wisely as rivals continue to move forward.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

The game features two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix offers the traditional racing experience across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with seamless transitions between courses thanks to the game's open structure. Completing all cups might unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, now with new challenges like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style race where players must reach checkpoints in time or be eliminated, culminating in thrilling finales like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

In Free Roam mode, players can 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 allows capturing memorable moments. 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

Multiplayer options in Mario Kart World are robust, supporting up to four players on a single system, local wireless play for up to eight players, and online play for up to 24 players worldwide. Friends can also explore the map together, engage in custom battles or races, and use the photo mode. GameChat enhances the experience with voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.

Beyond the main modes, players can dive into Time Trials with online ghost data, VS Mode with customizable team races, and the classic Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, Mario Kart World introduces new items such as the Coin Shell, Ice Flower, Hammers, Mega Mushroom, Feather, and the Kamek item, which transforms players into mysterious forms.

Support Features

Mario Kart World aims to be accessible to players of all skill levels with features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings.

For more insights, check out our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, how Nintendo justifies its $80 price tag, and our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.