Nintendo recently unveiled a treasure trove of information about *Mario Kart World*, the eagerly awaited launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on June 5, 2025. The Mario Kart World Direct provided a deep dive into the game's characters, courses, races, and secret features, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.

This comprehensive roundup gathers all the essential details revealed during the Direct to keep you informed and excited until the game's launch.

*Mario Kart World* boasts an expansive and interconnected map filled with both new and reimagined classic courses. Some of the highlighted tracks include Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. For veteran players, the familiar courses have been refreshed to seamlessly integrate into the game's vast world, promising fresh takes on beloved classics.

Characters and New Techniques

With the ability to host up to 24 racers in a single race, *Mario Kart World* introduces an extensive roster of characters. The Direct showcased an impressive lineup, 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.

Players can enjoy even more dynamic gameplay with new driving techniques. The Charge Jump lets racers dodge enemy attacks, reach higher places, grind on rails, and even ride walls for a short time. Another exciting feature, Rewind, allows players to retry a section to perfect a hidden path or turn, though rivals continue to move normally, so caution is advised.

Mario Kart World Screenshots

View 120 ImagesRaces - Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

*Mario Kart World* offers two primary racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players compete in a series of races to win cups like the Mushroom Cup and Flower Cup. This mode features a seamless transition between courses, enhancing the game's open-world feel. Completing all cups might unlock the iconic Rainbow Road, now with new challenges like bullet bill-shooting cars and hammer-throwing Hammer Bros.

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

Mario Kart World Free Roam

The Free Roam mode allows players to explore *Mario Kart World* without the pressure of racing. Discover hidden elements like P Switches that activate blue coins and start missions to hone your skills. Players can also find hidden Peach Medallions and panels. Additionally, a photo mode is available to capture your adventures.

Visiting Yoshi's restaurant offers "Dash Food" that boosts speed and provides themed outfits inspired by dishes like cheeseburgers, sushi, and ice cream.

Playing Mario Kart World with Friends

*Mario Kart World* offers multiple ways to enjoy the game with friends. Options include local play with up to four players on a single system, local wireless play with up to eight players across two systems, and online play with up to 24 players worldwide. Between races, friends can free roam together, battle with custom rules, or simply explore the map. The Photo Mode enhances these experiences, allowing players to capture moments with friends.

GameChat integrates seamlessly, enabling voice communication and live video reactions with compatible cameras. For local play, the system can detect up to four faces, adding a personal touch to the gaming experience.

In addition to the main racing modes, *Mario Kart World* includes Time Trials, where players can race against global ghost data online. VS Mode offers extensive customization, allowing races between up to four teams. Battle Mode returns with classics like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle.

Items

Alongside returning favorites like Bullet Bill and Lightning, *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 enemies, Hammers to attack and block, 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, ensuring everyone can enjoy the game.

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