Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about *Mario Kart World*, the highly anticipated launch title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This Mario Kart World Direct provided insights into characters, courses, races, secrets, and more, offering fans a comprehensive look at what to expect from this thrilling new addition to the Mario Kart series.

This article compiles all the essential information from the Mario Kart World Direct, aiming to keep fans engaged and informed as we count down the days to the game's launch.

*Mario Kart World* will boast an extensive array of new and classic courses seamlessly integrated into its expansive, interconnected map. Some of the highlighted courses include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. For seasoned players, the reimagined versions of these classic courses promise fresh, immersive experiences that blend seamlessly into the game's vast new world.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, *Mario Kart World* will feature a diverse roster of characters. The Direct showcased a variety of beloved characters, 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.

Enhancing the racing experience are new techniques such as the Charge Jump, which allows racers to dodge attacks, reach higher areas, grind on rails, and even ride walls temporarily. Another groundbreaking feature is the Rewind ability, enabling players to retry tricky sections or take better turns. However, players must use this feature wisely, as opponents will continue to race, potentially leading to unforeseen challenges.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

*Mario Kart World* introduces two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The familiar Grand Prix mode will see players competing across multiple races to win various cups, such as the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This time, the races are seamlessly connected, allowing for a more immersive experience as players drive from course to course. Completing all Grand Prix Cups may unlock a challenging "colorful course" reminiscent of Rainbow Road, featuring new obstacles like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.

The Knockout Tour mode offers a battle royale-style race, where players must reach checkpoints within a set timeframe or be eliminated. The last driver standing in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally will claim victory.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

In the Free Roam mode, players can explore *Mario Kart World* without the pressure of racing. Discovering hidden elements like P Switches, which activate blue coins and initiate missions, adds a layer of exploration and skill-building outside of competitive races. Hidden treasures such as Peach Medallions and secret panels await, and the Photo Mode allows players to capture memorable moments.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant provides another fun element, where players can pick up "Dash Food" for speed boosts and themed outfits inspired by dishes like cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

*Mario Kart World* offers numerous options for multiplayer engagement. Players can race with up to four friends on a single system, engage in local wireless play with up to eight players across two systems, or compete with up to 24 players worldwide through Online Play. Between races, friends can explore the map together, with the ability to fast travel to each other's locations for spontaneous races or battles. The Photo Mode enhances this social aspect, allowing friends to capture their adventures.

GameChat will be a vital component, enabling voice communication and live video reactions for players with compatible cameras. When playing on a single system, the camera can detect up to four faces, adding to the interactive experience.

In addition to the Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, *Mario Kart World* includes Time Trials, where players can race against ghost data from around the world. VS Mode allows for extensive customization, supporting up to four different teams of racers. Battle Mode returns with fan-favorite competitions like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Alongside familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning, *Mario Kart World* introduces new items such as the Coin Shell, which can knock opponents off course while leaving a trail of coins. Other additions include the Ice Flower for freezing rivals, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size boosts, the Feather for jumping over hazards, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

To cater to players of all skill levels, *Mario Kart World* includes various support features such as Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable Vertical and Horizontal Camera settings.

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