Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled exciting new details about Mario Kart World, the much-anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This Mario Kart World Direct provided a comprehensive look at the game, covering everything from new characters and courses to innovative gameplay features and multiplayer options.

This article compiles all the essential information from the Direct, aimed at helping fans stay informed and excited as they await the game's launch.

Mario Kart World boasts an expansive interconnected map featuring both new and reimagined classic courses. Highlights include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. Notably, the reimagined older courses are designed to seamlessly integrate into the vast new world, providing fresh experiences for returning players.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers per race, Mario Kart World introduces a diverse roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many more, 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.

Players can enjoy new driving techniques like the Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Another exciting feature is the Rewind function, enabling players to retry a section of the race to find hidden paths or improve their performance, though rivals will continue moving, adding a strategic element to its use.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix mode features traditional racing across multiple courses like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with seamless transitions between races thanks to the game's open structure. Conquering all cups may unlock a challenging "colorful course" reminiscent of Rainbow Road, complete with new obstacles like bullet bill-shooting cars and hammer-throwing Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour is a battle royale-style mode where players race across the map, needing to reach checkpoints in time to avoid elimination. The last driver standing wins in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World allows players to explore the map at their leisure, discovering P Switches that activate blue coins and trigger skill-improving missions. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and a photo mode lets players capture their adventures. Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits based on meals like cheeseburgers, sushi, and more.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Multiplayer options in Mario Kart World are robust, with support for four players on one system, local wireless play for up to eight players (two systems of four), and online play for up to 24 players. Friends can also join each other in Free Roam, where they can race, battle with custom rules, or simply explore the map together. GameChat enhances the social experience, allowing voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras.

In addition to Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, players can engage in Time Trials with an option to race against global ghost data online. VS Mode offers extensive customization, including team racing with up to four teams. Battle Mode returns with classics 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. Other additions include the Ice Flower for freezing opponents, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size increases, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

Mario Kart World is designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels, with support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with the Joy-Con wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings for both vertical and horizontal views.

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