Mario Kart World Direct Reveals New Tracks, Characters, and Features for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has pulled back the curtain on Mario Kart World in an exclusive Nintendo Direct, offering fans an in-depth look at the highly anticipated racing title that will debut alongside the new Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

With a fifteen-minute presentation filled with gameplay footage, developer commentary, and detailed feature reveals, Mario Kart World is shaping up to be the most expansive entry in the iconic series to date.

Mario Kart World is slated for global release on June 5th, 2025, as the flagship launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, and will be retailing for $79.99.

A bundled package including the Switch 2 console and Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99 at launch.

While pre-orders for the Switch 2 hardware are not yet available in the United States, anticipation continues to grow, especially after the new details shared in this Direct event. **New and Returning Tracks Revealed** The Direct confirmed a host of classic and original tracks, including Mario Bros.

Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, and Boo Cinema.

Retro favorites such as Toad’s Factory (originally from Wii), Peach Beach (GCN), and Wario Shipyard (3DS) make a triumphant return, each redesigned to capture the world’s new open setting while maintaining their recognizable layouts and charm.

Nintendo also confirmed the inclusion of the series staple, Rainbow Road, which will be unlockable after completing all Grand Prix cups. **A Seamless Open-World Structure** For the first time in series history, Mario Kart World introduces a sprawling open world.

The game’s continent is divided into themed regions such as deserts, beaches, volcanoes, ice zones, and jungles.

Between races, players are required to physically drive their karts to the next Grand Prix event, creating a seamless gameplay experience that merges racing with exploration. **Classic and New Gameplay Modes** Alongside returning mainstays like Grand Prix and the Knockout Tour mode, the Direct officially announced the return of VS Mode, Time Trials, and Battle Mode.

In VS Mode, racers can use traditional lap systems or try a new Grand Prix format, traveling dynamically between courses to personalize tournament experiences.

Time Trials allow for online competition, as players can download rival ghosts and strive for record times.

Battle Mode arenas like Balloon Battle and Coin Runners are spread throughout the world map, with classic locations such as Big Donut (Mario Kart 64) making a comeback. **Expanded Item Roster and Mechanics** Mario Kart World innovates its arsenal with new and familiar power-ups.

Items like the Coin Shell, Ice Flower, and Hammer introduce fresh tactical elements, while the Mega Mushroom returns for the first time since Mario Kart Wii, providing powerful boosts on the track.

The Kamek item adds strategy by transforming rivals, while the Feather jumps back into standard racing play after its cameo in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s battle mode. **Diverse and Playable Character Lineup** Nintendo has significantly expanded its playable roster, adding both familiar faces and unexpected newcomers.

Among the confirmed characters are Cow, Goomba, Dolphin, Baby Rosalina, Nabbit, Hammer Bro, and Chargin’ Chuck, alongside a host of others, pushing the total to over 50 racers.

New outfits will be unlockable by collecting track-based Dash Food items, giving each character regional or food-inspired attire. **New Techniques and Quality of Life Features** A handful of new mechanics will spice up the racing formula.

Players can use Charge Jump—activated by holding the drift button while driving straight—to vault over obstacles or reach new paths, and even wall ride for extra mobility.

A novel Rewind function lets racers reverse time to retry missed jumps, although other racers will continue moving, keeping the competition intense. **Vast Free Roam and Creative Modes** Free Roam mode takes full advantage of the open world, allowing uninterrupted exploration.

Reminiscent of Mario Kart DS, Missions return via P-Switches scattered throughout the map, designed to help players hone their racing skills.

The photo mode enables players to capture every aspect of their adventure, with customizable poses and angles. **Enhanced Multiplayer and Communication** Mario Kart World will support up to four players locally and eight via wireless play on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Online play covers VS, Battle, and Free Roam modes, with GameChat functionality integrated through the Switch 2’s built-in microphone.

Owners of the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory can stream live video reactions during races with up to four players. With a confirmed launch on June 5, 2025, and an ambitious suite of features, Mario Kart World is poised to redefine the series for a new generation of Nintendo hardware.

Stay tuned for updates on release day and eShop availability as the Nintendo Switch 2 era begins.

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