Introduction: Racing Into the Future
Nintendo has once again revved up excitement with the announcement of Mario Kart World, launching alongside the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. During the latest Nintendo Direct, we got an in-depth look at the game’s new features, promising an innovative experience that builds on everything fans love about the series. Here’s everything you need to know about Mario Kart World.
A Seamlessly Interconnected World
For the first time in Mario Kart history, players will race through a vast interconnected world, where each course links seamlessly to the next. The ability to drift, draft, and drive across these transitions opens up a whole new level of excitement. In Mario Kart World, players will experience an uninterrupted flow from one track to another, offering a fresh approach to the series.
Also Read: Hop to It: What’s Open This Easter Weekend (And What’s Not)
Grand Prix: A Thrilling Challenge
The classic Grand Prix mode returns with a twist. Now, players will race through multiple tracks without exiting to menus between courses. Instead, races flow one into the next, offering a much more immersive experience. For instance, the Mushroom Cup begins on the familiar Mario Bros. Circuit but soon transitions to the lively Crown City, blending old favourites with fresh challenges.
Knockout Tour: Race Against the Clock
If you crave high stakes, the Knockout Tour will keep you on your toes. In this intense mode, players must pass through checkpoints spread across the world. Fail to meet the target, and you’re out. The added difficulty comes from the course hazards—like Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros—adding a chaotic edge to the competition. Only the fastest and most strategic drivers will survive to the end.
Free Roam: Explore Beyond Racing
Mario Kart World isn’t just about racing; it’s about adventure. Free Roam mode offers players the chance to explore the vibrant world outside of the race. Drive through beautiful vistas, uncover hidden treasures, and even discover secret coins. The addition of P Switches activates a host of missions that challenge players’ driving skills beyond traditional races. Plus, with the Photo Mode, capturing the most stunning sights along the way is easier than ever.
Battle Mode: A Chaotic Return
Fans of Mario Kart’s classic Battle Mode will find plenty to love here. Whether it’s Coin Runners or Balloon Battle, this mode delivers the chaos players expect. The goal is simple: collect the most coins or pop your opponents’ balloons. Take out all of a rival’s balloons, and they’re out of the game. The competition gets fierce, and only the cleverest player will emerge victorious.
New Techniques for Mastering the Tracks
Mario Kart World introduces a host of new techniques to help players gain an edge on the track. One of the standout moves is the Charge Jump, which allows players to leap over obstacles, grind on rails, or even ride walls. This gives skilled players a chance to unlock hidden paths and shortcuts during a race.
Another exciting addition is the Rewind feature. Made for players who make a mistake, this allows racers to rewind time and return to a previous position. However, be cautious! Rivals continue to race while you rewind, so timing is crucial if you want to avoid losing your lead.
24 Racers, Endless Competition
In a major step forward, Mario Kart World allows up to 24 players to race in a single competition. Whether you’re facing off in Grand Prix or Knockout Tour, the larger player pool increases the level of competition and excitement, making every race a battle for supremacy.
Fun for Everyone, Anytime, Anywhere
Whether racing locally or online, Mario Kart World offers countless ways to play with friends and family. Up to four players can race on one console in split-screen mode, or you can connect multiple systems for even more players. Online mode allows you to race against players from around the world, giving you an endless supply of new rivals to defeat.
Free Roam mode adds another layer of multiplayer fun, as players can meet up in-game, check out their locations on the map, and warp to each other. You can race, explore, or engage in custom-rule battles with friends across the vast world of Mario Kart World.
Enhanced Online Play with GameChat
With the new GameChat feature, players can chat live with friends while racing. Using the built-in microphone on the Nintendo Switch 2, players can communicate in real time. GameChat is free until March 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
The inclusion of CameraPlay also adds a fun social element. With the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, players can see their friends’ reactions while racing. For local multiplayer, a single camera can capture up to four players’ faces, further enhancing the shared experience.
New and Familiar Courses
The game boasts a wide variety of both new and reimagined courses. New tracks like Mario Bros. Circuit and Crown City blend seamlessly with classics such as Peach Beach and Wario Shipyard. Each course has been reworked to fit within the expansive new world, offering a fresh experience on familiar favourites.
Iconic Characters and Items
Play as beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and Peach, or try out new racers such as Goomba, Spike, and even Cow. In Mario Kart World, there’s a character for every player.
In addition to the classic items, new power-ups like the Coin Shell and the Ice Flower will shake up the racing strategy. Whether you’re freezing opponents or knocking them off the track with a Mega Mushroom, the new items add more chaos and excitement to every race.
Dining and Dash: Yoshi’s Food Boosts
A fun new feature in Mario Kart World is Yoshi’s restaurant, where players can pick up Dash Food. These meals not only provide a speed boost but also unlock stylish outfits for your character, adding a fun and unexpected twist to your racing experience.
Support Features for All Players
To ensure that Mario Kart World is accessible to players of all skill levels, Nintendo has included helpful features like Smart Steering and Tilt Controls. These options let you customise your driving experience, making it easier for newcomers while still offering challenges for experienced players.
Conclusion: A New Mario Kart Era
Mario Kart World promises to be a game-changing experience for fans of the series. With new courses, characters, and features, the game delivers everything players love about Mario Kart while pushing the franchise into a new era. Whether you’re racing through Grand Prix or exploring in Free Roam, Mario Kart World will keep you entertained for hours on end. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime when it launches alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.
