Mario Kart World Launches on Nintendo Switch 2: A New Era for the Iconic Racing Series

Nintendo has officially unveiled Mario Kart World, the latest installment in its legendary racing franchise, designed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Renowned for its exhilarating tracks, inventive items, and competitive multiplayer, Mario Kart has defined the kart racing genre for decades.

With Mario Kart World, Nintendo aims to set a new benchmark for the series by introducing open-world elements, expanded multiplayer capabilities, and accessibility enhancements suitable for both seasoned racers and those new to the franchise. One of the standout additions in Mario Kart World is the all-new Free Roam mode.

This feature grants players the freedom to explore an expansive, interconnected world brimming with secrets, shortcuts, and surprising environments—from bustling cities to dense forests.

During Free Roam, racers can experiment with brand-new mechanics such as rail riding, wall riding, and water skimming, amplifying the series’ trademark sense of discovery and dynamic movement.

Scattered throughout these vast courses are numerous unlockables, including an impressive roster of new drivers, customizable vehicles, and a variety of outfits. Building on its core gameplay, Mario Kart World brings a variety of racing modes.

The classic Grand Prix returns, now integrating courses into a seamless progression, while VS Races allow players to create custom rules and route combinations.

Time Trials are back for those seeking to perfect their racing skills and set high scores.

Notably, the game debuts the Knockout Tour mode, an elimination challenge where competitors are progressively removed at each checkpoint until only one racer remains—a format designed to heighten the stakes and intensity of each race. All primary racing modes—Grand Prix, VS Races, and Knockout Tour—now support up to 24 drivers, doubling the chaos and excitement from previous 12-player matches.

For players who prefer battling over racing, classic modes like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle also make a return, delivering familiar party-game thrills with fresh twists. Multiplayer in Mario Kart World is more versatile than ever.

Up to 24 players can compete online across various modes, while local wireless play enables groups to connect multiple Nintendo Switch 2 systems for couch competitions.

For the first time, players can take advantage of GameChat, a video chat feature that allows friends to see each other’s faces alongside their karts.

GameChat is available to all players until March 31, 2026, even without a Nintendo Switch Online membership—a move characterized by Nintendo as an effort to make the multiplayer experience more accessible and engaging. To ensure Mario Kart World is fun for everyone, the game introduces assistive features like Smart Steering, Auto-Accelerate, and Auto-Use Item.

These options are designed to help less experienced players join in and compete, ensuring that family and friends of all skill levels can enjoy the excitement together. With its innovative gameplay, robust multiplayer features, and commitment to accessibility, Mario Kart World stands poised to become another milestone for Nintendo and the Nintendo Switch 2.

Fans can look forward to further updates, as more details on upcoming features and content are expected from Nintendo in the coming months.

For those eager to join the race, Mario Kart World is now available for purchase through the Nintendo eShop and participating retailers.

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