Mario Kart World Launches with Nintendo Switch 2: Key Features, New Modes, and Release Date

Mario Kart World Launches with Nintendo Switch 2: Key Features, New Modes, and Release Date For the first time in Nintendo history, a new Mario Kart game will launch alongside a Nintendo console.

Mario Kart World is set to debut globally on June 5, 2025, coinciding with the release of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

Developed and published by Nintendo, the title represents a major step forward for the franchise, introducing sweeping changes, innovative gameplay mechanics, and the broadest roster yet—all designed to both honor and reinvent the beloved racing series. A Historic Series Launch Mario Kart has never been a launch title for any Nintendo system—a rarity compared to flagship franchises like Mario and The Legend of Zelda.

Previous close-calls include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which arrived soon after the original Nintendo Switch's release in 2017.

With Mario Kart World, Nintendo breaks tradition, offering racing fans an inaugural reason to jump in on day one of the new hardware. Fresh Features and Enhanced Gameplay Mario Kart World reimagines classic game modes and pushes technical boundaries on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Players can dive into two main experiences: the Grand Prix and the brand-new Knockout Tour.

According to hands-on impressions, both modes offer a dynamic, engaging racing experience filled with inventive track design, vibrant visuals, and increased player counts—upping the chaos to 24 racers per match. The game's environments burst with color and detail, with each character animated more expressively than ever before.

While fans can expect the return of series regulars, Nintendo has also introduced surprising newcomers.

The playable roster now features characters such as the Penguin from Super Mario 64, Sidestepper from the original Mario Bros., and even the famous Cow from Moo Moo Meadows.

Some returning favorites like Diddy Kong and Petey Piranha have not been confirmed at launch, sparking speculation about future downloadable content. Customization Options and New Items One of Mario Kart World’s standout additions is the ability for racers to change outfits mid-race by collecting the new fast-food item scattered throughout tracks.

Preview footage has revealed costumes ranging from pirates and bikers to vampires and cowboys. Building on the success of Mario Kart Tour, several fan-favorite power-ups make a comeback, including hammers, coin blocks, and the Ice Flower.

Three new items are introduced: the Golden Shell, which blasts forward and drops coins in its wake; Kamek, who creates on-track hazards; and a mysterious bag of fast food that ties into costume changes. Refined Racing and Expansive Modes Races are more energetic and unpredictable thanks to enhanced mechanics.

Karts now possess the ability to grind rails and ride walls, introducing opportunities for creative shortcuts and higher-level route selection.

The traditional Grand Prix mode has also been overhauled—no longer are cups simply four sequential tracks.

Instead, players drive between circuits, seamlessly connecting races in a way that brings new energy to the format. The Knockout Tour mode capitalizes on the game’s sprawling open-world environments.

Races simulate rally-style sprints where, at each checkpoint, the last four racers are eliminated.

As tracks shift from sandy deserts to jungles and meadows, players experience dynamic scenery, intensifying competition and excitement reminiscent of classic arcade racers like OutRun. Free Roam and Collectibles Nintendo has unveiled a Free Roam mode, promising hundreds of collectibles and side challenges for players eager to explore Mario Kart World beyond traditional races.

This feature aims to provide added replay value and depth, rewarding exploration and mastery. Release and Availability Mario Kart World is set for release, available both physically at retail and digitally via the Nintendo eShop, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 starting June 5, 2025.

The launch marks a milestone for both Nintendo’s hardware and its iconic racing series, promising a fresh era of kart racing fun for players worldwide.

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