Mario Kart World Direct Unveiled for Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo recently delivered an exciting *Mario Kart World* Direct, offering a deep dive into the highly anticipated launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. The presentation unveiled a wealth of new information, including details about characters, courses, races, hidden secrets, and more—all sure to whet the appetite of fans eagerly awaiting the game’s June 5, 2025 release.

New and Reimagined Courses

Mario Kart World promises a diverse lineup of both new and classic courses, seamlessly integrated into its expansive interconnected map. Among the courses revealed are Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. For longtime fans, the updated versions of older tracks are particularly exciting, as they’ve been reimagined to feel fresh and at home within this vast new world, delivering nostalgic thrills with a modern twist.

Characters and New Techniques

With races supporting up to 24 players, *Mario Kart World* features a wide array of characters to ensure variety and fun. The Direct showcased a lengthy list including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Baby Rosalina, Rosalina, Koopa, Rocky Wrench, Conkdor, Goomba, Spike, Cow, King Boo, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Birdo, Bowser Jr., Lakitu, Toad, Wario, Pauline, Toadette, Shy Guy, Nabbit, Piranha Plant, Hammer Bro, Monty Mole, Dry Bones, Wiggler, Cataquack, Pianta, Sidestepper, and Cheep Cheep.

Driving becomes even more dynamic with the introduction of new techniques. Charge Jump allows racers to dodge attacks, reach elevated rails, or even ride along walls temporarily. Another standout feature is Rewind, which lets players undo mistakes and try a turn or hidden path again. However, be cautious—rivals continue moving, so a poorly timed rewind could put you in an even tougher spot.

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Race Modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour

The game introduces two primary race modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. Grand Prix returns with a more immersive structure—players travel directly from one course to the next, eliminating the need to return to a menu screen. Completing all Grand Prix Cups unlocks a mysterious “colorful course,” widely believed to be Rainbow Road, now featuring new hazards like Bullet Bill-shooting cars and hammer-throwing Hammer Bros.

Knockout Tour adds a battle royale twist, challenging players to reach each checkpoint before being eliminated. The final race, the Golden Rally or Ice Rally, determines the last driver standing, offering intense, high-stakes competition.

Free Roam Mode

In Free Roam mode, players can explore the world at their leisure, discovering P Switches that activate blue coins and unlock missions designed to sharpen skills. Hidden collectibles like Peach Medallions and secret panels add to the discovery experience. A built-in Photo Mode ensures players can capture and share memorable moments with friends.

Visiting Yoshi’s restaurant adds a fun twist—players can eat “Dash Food” to gain a speed boost and a matching outfit. Menu items include cheeseburgers, sushi, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream, blending flavor with gameplay.

Multiplayer and Social Features

Playing with friends is a core experience in *Mario Kart World*, with multiple options available. Local play supports up to four players on one system, or eight players via local wireless (two systems of four). Online play accommodates up to 24 racers, ensuring fast-paced multiplayer action from around the globe.

Free roam with friends allows players to explore the map together, fast travel to each other’s locations, and engage in custom races or battles. Photo Mode is also accessible during multiplayer sessions, perfect for capturing shared moments of triumph or chaos.

GameChat enhances communication, enabling voice chat and real-time video reactions for players using compatible cameras. Even on a single system, the camera can detect up to four faces, making local multiplayer interactions more engaging.

Additional Game Modes

Beyond the core racing modes, *Mario Kart World* includes Time Trials where players can compete against ghost data online. VS Mode offers extensive customization, allowing up to four teams to race with tailored settings.

Battle Mode makes a return with classic competitions like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, ensuring variety and replayability for both casual and competitive players.

New and Returning Items

Familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, but newcomers like the Coin Shell offer fresh gameplay dynamics. The Coin Shell knocks rivals off course while leaving a trail of coins for the user to collect. The Ice Flower freezes enemies in place, Hammers attack and block paths, and the Mega Mushroom grants temporary size advantages. The Feather allows players to jump over incoming attacks, while the Kamek item transforms players into unpredictable forms, adding a layer of surprise and strategy.

Accessibility and Support Features

Designed to be inclusive for players of all skill levels, *Mario Kart World* includes support features like Smart Steering, Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2-wheel mode), Auto-Use Item, Auto-Accelerate, and customizable camera settings (vertical and horizontal adjustments), ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

For more insights, check out our hands-on preview of *Mario Kart World*, an in-depth look at how Nintendo justifies its $80 price point, and our exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 interview with Nintendo’s Bill Trinen for deeper context on the console and its launch lineup.