Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about *Mario Kart World*, the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. The Mario Kart World Direct provided fans with a comprehensive look at new characters, courses, races, secrets, and much more. This article compiles all the essential information from the Direct to help you stay informed and excited as we count down to the launch.

Mario Kart World boasts an extensive lineup of both new and classic courses seamlessly integrated into its expansive map. Among the newly introduced tracks are Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. Notably, returning players will appreciate the refreshed take on older courses, which have been reimagined to blend seamlessly into this vast new world, offering fresh twists on beloved classics.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, Mario Kart World ensures variety with a diverse roster of characters. The Direct showcased a selection including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, 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.

Adding to the excitement, new driving techniques have been introduced. The Charge Jump allows racers to evade enemy attacks, access higher areas, grind on rails, and even ride along walls for a short period. Another game-changer is the Rewind feature, which lets players retry specific sections to navigate hidden paths or perfect their turns. However, be cautious as your rivals will continue to move forward during your rewind.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two primary racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The Grand Prix mode retains the traditional format where players compete across multiple races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, however, players transition seamlessly from one course to another within the game's open structure, enhancing the overall experience.

Conquering all Grand Prix Cups may unlock a special "colorful course," likely the iconic Rainbow Road, complete with new challenges like cars firing bullet bills and Hammer Bros. lobbing hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style race where players must reach checkpoints in a timely manner across Mario Kart World's map. Failure to do so results in elimination, with the last driver standing declared the winner in events such as the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World allows players to explore the map freely without the pressure of racing. Discover P Switches and collect blue coins to initiate missions that enhance your skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and a photo mode ensures you can capture your favorite moments.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers a delightful experience where you can collect "Dash Food" for a speed boost and don themed outfits inspired by your meal choices, ranging from cheeseburgers to sushi and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Enjoying Mario Kart World with friends is enhanced with multiple play options. Up to four players can enjoy the game on a single system, while local wireless play supports up to eight players across two systems. Online Play allows up to 24 players from around the world to compete together.

Additionally, players can free roam with friends between races, seeing their locations on the map and fast traveling to join them. Engage in custom battles or races, or simply explore together, all while utilizing the photo mode. GameChat facilitates communication, with video capabilities for players with compatible cameras, detecting up to four faces when playing on one system.

Beyond the main racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with an online option to race against ghost data from global players. VS Mode offers extensive customization, allowing up to four different teams to compete. Battle Mode returns with favorites like 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, which knocks rivals off course and leaves a trail of coins. The Ice Flower freezes enemies, Hammers attack and block paths, the Mega Mushroom grows players to towering heights, the Feather allows for high jumps, and the Kamek item transforms players into something mysterious.

Support Features

To ensure Mario Kart World is accessible to players of all skill levels, Nintendo has included support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and customizable Vertical and Horizontal Camera settings.

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