50 Playable Characters and New Details Revealed in April Mario Kart World Direct

The April Mario Kart World Direct offered fans a comprehensive new look at one of Nintendo’s most anticipated titles for the next generation of hardware, Mario Kart World.

Hosted on April 17th, 2025, this exclusive Nintendo Direct presentation focused squarely on Mario Kart World, which is set for release on Nintendo Switch 2.

As excitement continues to build around the premier racing franchise, Nintendo has begun unveiling features and confirming new details that will shape the series’ future. A major highlight from today’s 15-minute broadcast was the confirmation that Mario Kart World will feature a robust roster of 50 playable characters.

This new milestone was achieved through official announcements not only from today’s Mario Kart World-focused Nintendo Direct, but also preceding hands-on gameplay sessions at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events and an updated press kit.

The expanded character selection allows for up to 24 racers competing simultaneously, a first for any Mario Kart title and a significant leap in multiplayer scope. Nintendo showcased several reimagined and all-new racetracks that will harness the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2.

While not every circuit was detailed in the presentation, fans were treated to a closer look at some of the visually upgraded and dynamic environments players will traverse.

The Direct emphasized how Mario Kart World intends to leverage the new hardware’s improved processing power and graphical fidelity, promising smoother frame rates and more immersive gameplay experiences for both single-player and online multiplayer modes. In addition to Mario Kart World, Nintendo continues to build momentum by reintroducing classic titles.

For example, the acclaimed N64 shooter GoldenEye 007 made its triumphant return to modern consoles in 2023, with new releases on both Nintendo Switch (via Switch Online) and Xbox One.

Nightdive Studios recently spoke to why their own proposed remaster of GoldenEye 007 didn’t materialize, even as original fans and a new audience rediscovered the iconic title through official re-releases.

This trend of honoring Nintendo’s legacy aligns with the company’s strategy to bridge its extensive past with cutting-edge content launching on Nintendo Switch 2. As anticipation mounts for Mario Kart World’s release, industry observers note Nintendo’s successful approach to major game announcements via Nintendo Direct events.

These presentations continue to deliver focused, high-impact news and give community members a first-hand glimpse into the evolving landscape of Nintendo games and hardware.

With the confirmation of 50 playable characters and large-scale multiplayer, Mario Kart World is set to become the flagship racer on Nintendo Switch 2, primed to reach new competitive and creative heights when it launches. Fans can catch up on highlights from the latest Nintendo Direct and stay tuned for more updates as launch day approaches.

Mario Kart World is poised to continue the series’ tradition of innovation while capitalizing on everything Nintendo’s next-generation hardware has to offer.

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