Nintendo held a Direct presentation on Thursday to unveil details about Mario Kart World, a highly anticipated title for the new Switch 2 console. The company highlighted that this iteration will be the largest in the franchise’s history, featuring an expansive open world that accommodates up to 24 racers across various gameplay modes. Fans can expect Mario Kart World to be available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 at its launch on June 5.
Courses and Characters in Mario Kart World
The 16-minute Direct presentation showcased the vibrant open world, which includes diverse environments such as urban settings, vast plains, deserts, and oceanic landscapes. The new game offers courses spanning multiple modes, including Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, and Free Roam, all designed within a cohesive map that also features changing weather and a day-night cycle.
Among the new courses highlighted were Mario Bros. Circuit, the city-themed Crown City, and Salty Salty Speedway, which runs alongside twisting canals. Additionally, players can race on icy surfaces at Starview Peak and navigate through the spooky Boo Cinema, a haunted theater course populated with ghosts.
In conjunction with fresh tracks, the game will also include beloved past courses such as Toad’s Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard, ensuring a mix of nostalgia and new experiences.
Players can expect a diverse roster of characters in Mario Kart World, featuring both iconic figures and newcomers. Returning favorites include Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, and Yoshi, while new additions comprise Goombas, Spike, and the internet sensation Cow.
Gameplay Modes in Mario Kart World
The game will offer two primary racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix retains the classic format where players compete over four races to claim various cups, with tracks linked within the open world concept.
In contrast, Knockout Tour presents a more intense experience, featuring expansive rallies across numerous tracks. In this mode, racers need to pass through checkpoints, and those who fall short will be eliminated. Competitors will encounter both rival racers and obstacles during their races. Each of these modes supports up to 24 drivers.
Beyond competitive racing, players have the option to explore the entire map in Free Roam mode, allowing them to take in the game’s stunning vistas at their leisure.
Mario Kart World introduces innovative racing techniques, including the Charge Jump Move and chained wall rides. Players will also enjoy new items such as Coin Shells, designed to target those in front and leave coins in their wake; the Ice Flower, which freezes opponents; and a Hammer for squashing rivals, among other fresh mechanics.
Support for both online and local play is included, accommodating up to four players on split-screen mode on a single system. The game also enables local wireless play with up to eight players, with a maximum of two players per Switch 2 system. Moreover, online gameplay can support up to 24 participants, setting a new record for the series.
Mario Kart World is set to launch on June 5, coinciding with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Notably, the game will also be included in the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Bundle.
