Mario Kart World: 50 Playable Characters Confirmed and Key Updates from April Nintendo Direct

Nintendo fans tuned in eagerly to the April Mario Kart World-focused Nintendo Direct, where the company showcased new details about its much-anticipated kart racing title, Mario Kart World.

Developed and published by Nintendo, this latest entry in the genre-defining franchise is slated for release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

Although the presentation was a compact 15 minutes, it delivered several key updates that have sparked excitement within the gaming community. One of the milestones emphasized during the event was the confirmation that Mario Kart World will launch with a staggering 50 playable characters.

This robust roster, building on the franchise’s history of diverse character selection, was detailed across recent announcements including Nintendo Switch 2 Directs, hands-on previews at Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events, and the April Mario Kart World Direct itself.

For comparison, previous games in the series featured notably smaller lineups, making this the largest character selection in Mario Kart history. "With the combination of returning fan favorites and fresh faces, Mario Kart World is set to deliver the most competitive and dynamic racing experience yet," the presentation highlighted.

Up to 24 racers will be able to compete in a single race, underscoring the enhanced capabilities of Nintendo’s new hardware and the developer’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of local and online multiplayer. Track variety was another focal point of the announcement.

While Nintendo did not unveil the full list of circuits, they did share glimpses of all-new locales designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2’s increased graphical fidelity.

These visually striking environments promise to introduce new gameplay twists and showcase the upgraded performance made possible by the new platform.

The developers reiterated their dedication to providing both classic track remasters and innovative new challenges for loyal fans and newcomers alike. The Mario Kart series remains one of Nintendo’s best-selling franchises, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch surpassing 60 million copies sold globally as of early 2024, reaffirming its enduring popularity.

Mario Kart World aims to build on this legacy, leveraging both technological advancements and a player-focused approach to game design. In related news from the Nintendo ecosystem, 2023 brought a wave of nostalgia with Nightdive Studios' ambitious—but ultimately unrealized—plans for a GoldenEye 007 remaster.

While the remaster did not materialize, the original shooter made a triumphant return to both Nintendo Switch (via the Switch Online service) and Xbox One, more than 25 years after its initial release on the Nintendo 64. Nintendo continues to engage fans and broaden its portfolio with regular updates via Nintendo Direct presentations, Indie World streams, and hands-on events.

As anticipation builds for the release of Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2, fans can expect further updates on character rosters, track lists, and multiplayer modes leading up to launch.

For ongoing coverage, stay tuned to official Nintendo channels and the eShop for the latest news.

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