Mario Kart World Sets New Series Record With 24 Racers and Interconnected World on Nintendo Switch 2

Mario Kart World Sets New Series Record With 24 Racers and Interconnected World on Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo has officially pulled back the curtain on Mario Kart World, the latest—and most expansive—entry in its long-running racing franchise.

Announced during the Mario Kart World Direct presentation, Mario Kart World launches exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2024, bringing a sweeping set of new features, play modes, and technical advancements to the storied series.

Alongside the standard release, fans will also find a special Nintendo Switch 2 bundle that includes a full game download code for Mario Kart World, available from day one. Building on three decades of racing innovation, Mario Kart World sets itself apart with a series-first: an interconnected world map that lets players drive seamlessly between courses across cityscapes, rolling plains, vast deserts, and even beneath the waves.

Races unfold in dynamic weather, and a full day-and-night cycle brings new life to each circuit.

Players can start their engines in hallmark modes like Grand Prix or tackle the new Knockout Tour—an elimination challenge that pushes drivers across the game’s diverse regions, where only the fastest advance. In a noteworthy advancement for the franchise, up to 24 players can compete simultaneously, both locally and online, marking the largest field in Mario Kart history.

"For the first time, racers not only compete on classic courses, but also drive between them as part of the Grand Prix, making every cup a cohesive journey across the world," Nintendo shared during the Direct.

In Grand Prix, players experience a four-race challenge per Cup, such as the Mushroom Cup, with each stage now interconnected on the open world map. The Knockout Tour throws players into sprawling rallies with elimination checkpoints, where you'll need more than just speed to survive.

New hazards—from vehicles launching Bullet Bills to surprise attacks by Hammer Bros.—keep the action intense until the checkered flag.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the Free Roam mode offers a chance to explore the world at your own pace.

Collect coins, discover hidden missions, snap in-game photos, and hone your driving skills outside traditional competition. Returning favorites and innovative features ensure Mario Kart World appeals to veterans and newcomers alike.

Classic Battle Mode is back, featuring fan-favorites like Balloon Battle and Coin Runners in larger, more chaotic arenas.

Mario Kart World also introduces new gameplay techniques, such as the Charge Jump, enabling racers to leap over obstacles, grind rails, and string together wall-rides to discover hidden shortcuts.

For players needing a second chance, the Rewind function allows you to reset your vehicle’s position—though the competition keeps moving. Mario Kart World’s character roster features the expected Mushroom Kingdom icons—Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser—and debuts quirky options like Goomba, Spike, and even Cow.

Familiar and new items add strategic depth: unleash Coin Shells for on-track coin boosts, harness the Ice Flower to spin out rivals, or call upon Kamek’s magic to surprise the competition. Nintendo has placed a strong emphasis on multiplayer flexibility.

Up to four players can enjoy split-screen racing on a single console; local wireless supports up to eight players across systems, and expanded global matchmaking fills races with up to 24 drivers online.

The new GameChat feature takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone for effortless voice chat, available to all players until March 31, 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.

Those with the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera can also show live reactions during online play and local races. With new and classic courses—including Mario Bros.

Circuit, Crown City, Starview Peak, and Boo Cinema—the game reimagines beloved tracks to fit its world-spanning design.

Modes like Time Trials and VS Race offer additional ways to challenge friends or sharpen skills.

Accessibility features, such as Smart Steering, Auto-Accelerate, Tilt Controls, and compatibility with the Joy-Con 2 Wheel, ensure Mario Kart World is welcoming for racers of all skill levels. Mario Kart World is poised to set a new benchmark for the franchise in both scope and innovation, uniting fans around the world for high-octane competition, exploration, and friendly rivalry—all on the powerful new Nintendo Switch 2.

For more details and to see all new features in action, visit Nintendo’s official website.

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