Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of new information about Mario Kart World, the launch title for the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. This comprehensive guide compiles all the exciting details shared during the Mario Kart World Direct, designed to keep you engaged and informed as the launch date approaches.

The Direct introduced a variety of new and reimagined courses within the expansive world of Mario Kart World. Among the highlights 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 find familiar courses like Mario Bros. Circuit and Peach Beach reimagined to blend seamlessly with the new world, offering a fresh take on beloved classics.

Characters and New Techniques

With up to 24 racers able to compete in a single race, Mario Kart World boasts an extensive roster of characters. The Direct showcased characters such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and a host of others including Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Baby Rosalina, Rosalina, Koopa, and even unique additions like Rocky Wrench, Conkdor, and Cow.

New driving techniques add depth to the gameplay. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge enemy attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride on walls temporarily. Another groundbreaking feature is the Rewind ability, enabling players to retry sections to navigate hidden paths or perfect turns. However, players must use this feature wisely as rivals continue to move forward during a rewind.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

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Races - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

Mario Kart World offers two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix maintains the traditional format where players race through multiple courses to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. The new open-world structure allows seamless transitions between courses, enhancing the overall experience. Completing all cups might unlock the challenging Rainbow Road, featuring new obstacles like bullet bill-shooting cars and Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale-style race across the map, requiring players to reach checkpoints in time or face elimination. The last racer standing wins in modes like Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

Free Roam mode lets players explore the world at their leisure, discovering hidden elements such as P Switches, blue coins, and special missions to hone their skills. Hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and photo mode further enrich the exploration experience. Additionally, visiting Yoshi's restaurant provides "Dash Food" that boosts speed and offers themed outfits based on dishes like cheeseburgers, sushi, and pizza.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing with friends is a key feature of Mario Kart World, offering various multiplayer options. Up to four players can race on one system, eight can join via local wireless, and up to 24 can compete online. Friends can also explore the world together, engage in custom battles or races, and capture moments with Photo Mode. GameChat enhances the social experience, allowing voice communication and live video reactions.

Modes

Beyond the primary racing modes, Mario Kart World includes Time Trials with online ghost data, customizable VS Mode with up to four teams, and a refreshed Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

The game introduces new items alongside returning favorites. The Coin Shell knocks rivals off course while leaving a trail of coins, the Ice Flower freezes opponents, and Hammers block paths. Other new items include the Mega Mushroom for size increase, the Feather for jumping, and a Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

Mario Kart World is designed for players of all skill levels, featuring support options like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls compatible with the Joy-Con wheel, Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings.

For more insights, explore our hands-on preview of Mario Kart World, understand Nintendo's reasoning behind the $80 price tag, and delve into our exclusive interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen about the Nintendo Switch 2.