50 Playable Characters Now Confirmed for Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has officially confirmed an exciting milestone for the highly anticipated Mario Kart World, revealing that the game will feature 50 playable characters at launch.

The announcement was made during the recent Mario Kart World-focused Nintendo Direct, which delivered a comprehensive look at the upcoming title for the Nintendo Switch 2 platform and confirmed several key features for fans and industry analysts alike. Mario Kart World is the next evolution of the long-running Mario Kart franchise, a flagship series for Nintendo since its debut in 1992.

The forthcoming entry, developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2, aims to build on the franchise’s dynamic racing mechanics and fan-favorite formula while introducing an unprecedented roster of characters.

The expanded racing lineup, now totaling 50 confirmed racers, marks the largest playable cast in the history of the series. According to information provided through official channels—including the Nintendo Direct, press materials, and hands-on impressions from the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events—gamers can expect up to 24 racers competing simultaneously on track.

This not only enhances the racing spectacle but also opens fresh competitive and gameplay opportunities.

The Mario Kart World presentation highlighted returning favorites and new additions to the roster, although Nintendo has yet to release the final character list. During the dedicated 15-minute Nintendo Direct, company representatives emphasized the scale of Mario Kart World, outlining both the technical advancements made possible by the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and the ways the series is evolving.

Nintendo commented that the new engine increases the game’s capacity for racers and allows for more complex track designs, vibrant visuals, and smoother online play.

Additionally, assets provided in Nintendo’s official press kit reinforce a vision for the game that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, appealing to longtime fans and new players alike. The confirmation of 50 playable characters follows earlier teases at Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, where attendees had the opportunity to test the new title.

These events, alongside the Direct, have offered the gaming community a hands-on preview of gameplay and technical enhancements, cementing anticipation leading up to Mario Kart World’s launch. Mario Kart World is set to release exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.

As of this writing, no specific launch date has been announced, but Nintendo’s continued marketing push suggests the game will be a major highlight of the upcoming hardware’s inaugural software lineup, likely driving continued engagement for the eShop and ongoing Nintendo Direct presentations.

Keep following for further updates on Mario Kart World, including finalized character rosters, track announcements, and additional developmental insights from Nintendo.

Nintendo Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct