Mario Kart World Direct: Key Announcements and Playable Characters for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo’s iconic racing series continues to set the pace in the industry, and the latest Mario Kart World Direct, streamed on April 17th, 2025, showcased important updates for fans eager to jump onto the next track.

Focused on the highly anticipated Mario Kart World, developed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, this 15-minute Nintendo Direct event provided a comprehensive look at the new features and innovations coming to the beloved franchise. Mario Kart World: Next-Gen Racing Arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World, the latest entry in Nintendo's acclaimed kart racing series, is set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2.

Following its initial announcement during a previous Nintendo Direct and extensive hands-on sessions at recent Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, fans had been eagerly awaiting additional details.

While the April Direct did not unveil an all-new suite of features, it clarified several key aspects and confirmed new details for returning and prospective racers alike. One of the major takeaways from the Mario Kart World Direct was an official count of the game’s playable roster.

Following confirmations from both the Direct and the game’s press kit, Mario Kart World will launch with an impressive lineup of 50 playable characters.

This substantial roster, the largest in the franchise’s history, underscores Nintendo’s commitment to expanding competitive options and fan-favorite selections.

Additionally, each race will support up to 24 racers competing simultaneously, a notable increase compared to previous installments. Alongside the character announcements, viewers received new insight into the game's diverse suite of tracks.

While not every course was revealed during the presentation, Nintendo offered a closer look at several returning fan favorites as well as original circuits exclusively designed for the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

Enhanced visuals, smooth framerates, and immersive track environments were prominently featured, demonstrating how Mario Kart World will benefit from the new platform’s upgraded capabilities. Industry Response and Nintendo’s Ongoing Success The continued success of the Mario Kart series is reflected in its commercial performance and lasting cultural impact.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe alone has sold over 60 million copies worldwide as of 2024, making it the best-selling title on Nintendo Switch.

With Mario Kart World poised to make its debut on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo is building on a storied legacy while innovating for the future. Notably, the Direct also provided a quick update on the availability of classic Nintendo titles on modern hardware.

In 2023, Nightdive Studios commented on the much-anticipated GoldenEye 007 re-release, which finally arrived on Nintendo Switch (via Switch Online) and Xbox One, marking the N64 shooter’s return after more than two decades — an achievement credited to increased collaboration between publishers and platform holders. Looking Forward Mario Kart World is shaping up to be a launch highlight for Nintendo Switch 2, boasting the most extensive character selection and multiplayer capacity in the franchise to date.

With its robust roster of 50 characters and dynamic track design, fans have much to look forward to when the game launches.

Stay tuned to future Nintendo Direct events and official press releases for the latest news on Mario Kart World and other key titles for Nintendo Switch 2.

Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Nintendo Direct Switch Online Nightdive Studios GoldenEye 007