Mario Kart World Set for Record-Breaking Character Roster on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has officially unveiled Mario Kart World, poised as the most ambitious installment in the celebrated kart racing franchise.

Scheduled to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World is already generating excitement with its unprecedented lineup of playable characters and innovative racing features.

Announced through an official reveal, Mario Kart World promises the largest roster of racers to date, raising the bar for the series.

Nintendo has confirmed that each race will support up to 24 participants—a first for Mario Kart, which typically featured smaller fields.

This enhancement not only increases the competition but also opens up the gameplay to new strategic dynamics. Key details emerged during recent hands-on previews and a special showcase by Nintendo Treehouse.

In early footage shared across social media, viewers caught a glimpse of the character select menu.

While the initial screen displayed 12 familiar faces—Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Toad, Koopa Troopa, Bowser, Wario, Waluigi, Rosalina, and Pauline—observers noticed seven additional menu tabs, signaling a much deeper selection. According to IGN's preview, Mario Kart World will launch with "at least 60 different playable characters and outfits." This is a significant jump compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which—counting all downloadable content—featured 48 characters.

The expanded lineup appears to include multiple variations of popular characters in alternate costumes, adding depth and variety for returning fans and newcomers alike. While Nintendo has not officially disclosed the complete character roster, fans can look forward to more information during an upcoming Mario Kart Direct presentation later this month.

The event is expected to reveal final gameplay details, comprehensive racer lists, and additional features debuting with the Switch 2 hardware. Mario Kart World’s anticipated release represents a milestone both for Nintendo and the kart racing genre, leveraging next-generation hardware capabilities to deliver a larger, more vibrant, and competitive racing experience. For industry veterans and Mario Kart enthusiasts, the promise of 24-player races and a 60-plus character lineup on Nintendo Switch 2 stands as proof of the franchise’s enduring innovation and appeal.

Fans can mark their calendars for June 5, 2025—to witness the boldest Mario Kart yet in action.

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