Mario Kart World Boasts Series' Largest Roster and Outfits Ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo has officially pulled back the curtain on Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated next installment in the iconic kart racing franchise, set to launch in tandem with the Nintendo Switch 2.

Announced during recent Nintendo Direct presentations and further detailed in a dedicated Mario Kart World showcase, the title is gearing up to deliver the largest character roster in Mario Kart history.

Developed in-house by Nintendo, Mario Kart World raises the competitive stakes with up to 24 racers per track in both Knockout Tour and Grand Prix modes, necessitating an expansive roster for players to choose from.

At launch, the game will feature 50 unique playable characters, surpassing previous entries and signaling the series’ commitment to inclusivity and variety. The confirmed lineup, as highlighted by Nintendo’s press kit and hands-on sessions at Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, pulls from a wide array of classic and new faces, including series stalwarts like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and Bowser, alongside returning fan-favorites such as Pauline and King Boo.

Notably, several new entrants join the fray, including Cow, Peepa, and Coin Coffer, each adding a fresh twist to the competition. In a significant first for the franchise, Mario Kart World introduces an innovative costume system tied to an in-game feature called Dash Food.

As revealed in the showcase, consuming special food items on tracks like Cheep Cheep Falls triggers unique costumes for racers.

The attire changes per character—Mario and Luigi don a Happi coat, Peach appears in a Yukata, and Yoshi wears a festival-themed Matsuri outfit.

Both Toad and Toadette receive explorer costumes inspired by Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, while the baby versions of Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina obtain safari-themed outfits.

Bowser Jr.

sports an explorer outfit resembling a scout uniform.

With 13 character select pages and 12 characters shown per page, there is a potential for up to 156 unique character and costume combinations at launch, though the final list of costumes continues to grow as Nintendo reveals more. Mario Kart World is slated for a global release on Thursday, June 5, 2025, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2’s retail debut.

The game will be priced at $80 USD and is also included in a special Nintendo Switch 2 bundle priced at $500, featuring a digital version of the game.

As of now, pre-orders for the United States and Canada remain on hold following a recent delay, with Nintendo expected to provide updates in the coming weeks. With its record-setting roster, dynamic costume system, and day-one availability for Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World is shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the franchise yet, ready to delight longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch Kart