Mario Kart World Direct Announced: Nintendo Prepares Deep Dive Ahead of Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo fans have reason to celebrate as the company has officially announced a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct ahead of the highly anticipated release of Mario Kart World for the Nintendo Switch 2.

This special livestream event is set to air on April 17th at 6 a.m.

PT, offering fans and industry observers an in-depth look into one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises as it accelerates onto the next generation of hardware. Unveiled during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Mario Kart World stole the spotlight as Nintendo kicked off the presentation with the debut of this exciting new entry.

Even during an expansive broadcast, there was little time to fully explore the features and innovations Mario Kart World will bring.

Recognizing eager anticipation, Nintendo has dedicated a separate 15-minute showcase to detail what’s in store for long-time fans and newcomers alike. According to the official announcement from Nintendo of America, the Mario Kart World Direct will provide an exclusive look at new modes, features, and gameplay enhancements set to define the experience on Nintendo Switch 2.

The event will stream live at 6 a.m.

PT (8 a.m.

CT, 9 a.m.

ET), mirroring the time slot used for the previous general Direct.

Nintendo encourages fans to tune in for exclusive updates, stating that the broadcast will run for approximately 15 minutes and promising to share detailed information about the "new racing adventure." Mario Kart World is slated for a global launch on June 5th, 2025, which is also the release day for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console.

This simultaneous debut underscores Nintendo’s commitment to supporting its next-generation platform with blockbuster titles from day one—a strategy that has proven effective in driving both console sales and digital downloads via the eShop. The Mario Kart franchise, developed internally at Nintendo, remains one of the company’s most successful and enduring series.

With multiple titles surpassing sales milestones—Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, for instance, has sold over 50 million copies as of March 2024—the arrival of Mario Kart World marks another milestone for the racing series and the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.

As the excitement builds for both the new hardware and the latest installment in the beloved kart racer series, all eyes will be on tomorrow’s Mario Kart World Direct.

Stay tuned to official Nintendo channels and the eShop for the latest updates, detailed game previews, and exclusive insights into what could be one of the defining releases of 2025.

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