Nintendo unveiled exciting details about Mario Kart World, the upcoming launch title for Nintendo Switch, during a special Direct presentation. The showcase offered fresh insights into characters, race tracks, gameplay mechanics, and hidden features.

This comprehensive overview compiles all key information from the Mario Kart World Direct, keeping fans informed as they anticipate the game's June 5, 2025 release alongside Nintendo Switch 2.

Courses

Mario Kart World introduces a blend of classic and brand-new courses seamlessly connected on an expansive map. Highlights include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard.

Veteran players will appreciate how returning courses have been creatively redesigned to fit organically into this vast new world while preserving their nostalgic charm.

Characters and New Techniques

With support for 24 simultaneous racers, Mario Kart World boasts an extensive roster including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Baby characters, King Boo, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, plus newcomers and surprises.

New driving mechanics enhance the gameplay experience: Charge Jump enables evasive maneuvers and unique traversal options, while the innovative Rewind feature allows strategic do-overs - though rivals continue moving normally during rewind sequences.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Two primary race modes define the experience: The traditional Grand Prix cycles through the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup and others with seamless transitions between tracks, while Knockout Tour introduces battle royale elements with elimination checkpoints across themed rallies.

Completing all Grand Prix cups unlocks a special "colorful course" (likely Rainbow Road), now featuring dynamic hazards like Bullet Bill-shooting vehicles and hammer-throwing enemies.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

Free Roam mode removes competitive pressure, encouraging exploration across the expansive map. Players can activate hundreds of P Switches to reveal collectible coins, trigger special missions, and discover hidden items. The mode includes a robust photo feature and Yoshi's restaurant, where meals provide speed boosts and themed outfits.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Multiplayer options span local co-op (1-4 players), wireless connectivity (up to 8 players), and online races (24-player lobbies). Friends can freely explore together between races, initiating custom competitions or collaborative photo sessions.

GameChat integrates voice communication with real-time video reactions for compatible devices, supporting face recognition for up to four local players.

Modes

Beyond standard races, players can challenge global ghosts in Time Trials, customize competitions in VS Mode, or enjoy classic Battle Mode variations like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

New items join the traditional arsenal: The Coin Shell disrupts opponents while generating collectibles, Ice Flower freezes rivals, Hammers create roadblocks, and Kamek's magic transforms racers unpredictably.

Support Features

Accessibility options include Smart Steering, Joy-Con 2 wheel compatibility, auto-acceleration, and adjustable camera settings, ensuring enjoyable gameplay for all skill levels.

For additional details, explore our hands-on Mario Kart World preview, the game's value proposition analysis, and Nintendo Switch 2 insights from Nintendo executive Bill Trinen.