Mario Kart World Direct: Switch 2 Launch Details Revealed

Nintendo has recently unveiled exciting new details about *Mario Kart World*, the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. The Mario Kart World Direct provided a comprehensive look at characters, courses, races, secrets, and more, giving fans much to look forward to as the launch date approaches.

This article compiles all the essential information from the Direct, helping you stay informed and excited until the game's release. Whether you're a veteran of the series or new to the world of Mario Kart, there's something in *Mario Kart World* for everyone.

*Mario Kart World* introduces 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. Returning players will be thrilled to see how these beloved tracks have been updated to fit seamlessly into the vast new world, offering fresh experiences on familiar circuits.

Characters and New Techniques

With the capacity for up to 24 racers in a single race, *Mario Kart World* boasts a diverse roster of characters. The Direct showcased a wide array of characters including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and many others like 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.

Adding to the excitement, new driving techniques enhance gameplay. The Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, access higher areas, grind on rails, and even ride walls briefly. The Rewind feature offers a chance to retry paths or improve turns, though it's crucial to use it wisely as rivals continue moving normally during rewinds.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

*Mario Kart World* offers two primary race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. The familiar Grand Prix mode involves racing through multiple courses to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup, with the added twist of transitioning seamlessly between courses thanks to the game's open structure. Completing all cups may unlock the challenging Rainbow Road, featuring new obstacles such as cars shooting bullet bills and Hammer Bros. throwing hammers.

Knockout Tour introduces a battle-royale style race across the map, where players must reach checkpoints in time or face elimination. The ultimate goal is to be the last driver standing in events like the Golden Rally and Ice Rally.

Mario Kart World Free Roam

In Free Roam mode, players can explore *Mario Kart World* without the pressure of racing. Discover P Switches to activate blue coins, embark on skill-enhancing missions, and find hidden treasures like Peach Medallions and secret panels. The Photo Mode lets you capture memorable moments during your explorations.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant adds a fun twist, as you can enjoy "Dash Food" to boost speed and get outfits inspired by your meal choices, including cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, ice cream, and more.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

Playing with friends enhances the *Mario Kart World* experience. Options include four-player local play on one system, local wireless play for up to eight players, and online play with up to 24 players globally. Additionally, players can free roam together, battle or race with custom rules, and use Photo Mode to capture shared adventures.

GameChat integrates seamlessly, allowing voice communication and live video reactions for those with compatible cameras. On a single system, the camera can detect up to four faces, enhancing the multiplayer experience.

Beyond the main race modes, *Mario Kart World* includes Time Trials with online ghost data competition, customizable VS Mode with up to four teams, and the return of Battle Mode featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

While classic 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, the Ice Flower to freeze opponents, Hammers for attacking and blocking, the Mega Mushroom for size increase, the Feather for jumping, and the Kamek item for mysterious transformations.

Support Features

To cater to players of all skill levels, *Mario Kart World* includes support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and adjustable camera settings for both vertical and horizontal views.

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