Mario Kart World: 50 Playable Characters Confirmed at April 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct
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Published on: September 13, 2017
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Nintendo has once again accelerated the excitement for its iconic racing franchise with the latest Mario Kart World-focused Direct.
Held on April 17, 2025, the special presentation shed new light on the highly anticipated Mario Kart World, set to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
Building on decades of multiplayer racing fun, Mario Kart World aims to redefine the kart-racing experience with a combination of expansive new content and a robust character roster.
In a comprehensive 15-minute showcase, Nintendo provided fans and industry insiders with detailed insights into what to expect in Mario Kart World.
One of the most significant announcements was the full list of 50 playable characters, a first for the franchise.
This landmark roster confirms the title’s commitment to diversity, offering players a wide array of choices that includes familiar faces from the Mushroom Kingdom alongside newcomers and long-requested favorites.
With up to 24 racers on the track simultaneously, players can expect intense competition with expanded strategies for both single-player and multiplayer modes.
The Direct, paired with hands-on sessions at recent Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, solidified Mario Kart World’s position as a flagship title for Nintendo’s next-generation console.
The game not only updates the series formula but also leverages the advanced power of Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
Improved visuals, faster load times, and seamless online play were key features highlighted during the presentation.
Nintendo emphasized its goal to create the "most ambitious Mario Kart yet," ensuring that longtime fans and newcomers alike will find something to enjoy.
In addition to unveiling the character roster, Nintendo confirmed several new and returning tracks designed to take full advantage of the Switch 2’s capabilities.
While the company stopped short of revealing every course, fans can look forward to vibrant visual enhancements, dynamic weather effects, and intricate level designs.
According to the press kit distributed after the Direct, these features are aimed at "providing fresh challenges and endless replayability."
Mario Kart World’s reveal has already made waves, with the franchise remaining one of Nintendo’s best-selling properties.
Since its inception on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Mario Kart has accumulated over 150 million units sold across all platforms.
The arrival of Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to cement its legacy as a must-have title, drawing in both competitive racers and party game enthusiasts.
As of April 2025, Nintendo has not yet announced the global release date for Mario Kart World, but pre-release excitement is running high.
Eager fans are encouraged to stay tuned to future Nintendo Directs and official updates, as more information on tracks, characters, and online features is expected in the coming months.
