In an exciting announcement from Redmond, Washington, Nintendo has officially unveiled Mario Kart World during its latest World Direct presentation. This highly anticipated game is set to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system on June 5, marking it as the biggest title in the Mario Kart series to date. Alongside the game’s release, a special bundle featuring the Nintendo Switch 2 system and a full game download code for Mario Kart World will also be available starting June 5.
Mario Kart World introduces a groundbreaking interconnected world, allowing players to drive virtually anywhere—from bustling cities to expansive plains, arid deserts, and even the ocean. Races will occur across various regions of this vast world, complete with dynamic weather conditions and a day/night cycle. Whether you're racing for first place in Grand Prix mode, competing in the new Knockout Tour, or leisurely exploring diverse locales in Free Roam, the opportunities for adventure are endless.
The Grand Prix mode has evolved, featuring four different races per Cup, including the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, and Star Cup. For the first time in Mario Kart history, players will navigate from one course to another within the Grand Prix. For instance, in the Mushroom Cup, racers begin at the Mario Bros. Circuit and will drive the distance to Crown City. Master all Cups to unlock exclusive colorful courses!
In the new Knockout Tour mode, players will race across the expansive world with checkpoints along the way. Be prepared for intense sprints where falling behind means elimination. Rivals are not the only threat; obstacles like Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. attacks add to the challenge. Stay sharp and drive to survive as you compete for the top spot!
Beyond competitive racing, Mario Kart World offers a Free Roam mode where players can take a scenic route through the game’s vast landscape. Discover hidden treasures such as coins and P Switches while completing hundreds of missions to enhance your driving skills. Capture your adventures with in-game photos as you embark on a road trip through this rich environment.
The beloved Battle Mode returns with a twist! Engage in Coin Runners to collect the most coins or challenge rivals in Balloon Battle, where popping balloons sends players out of the game. It's a hectic race to secure victory!
Enhance your racing prowess with new techniques like the Charge Jump, allowing you to leap over obstacles, grind on rails, and dodge rival attacks. The innovative Rewind feature enables players to reset their vehicle to its original position, giving a second chance while still keeping an eye on competitors.
Mario Kart World supports races with up to 24 participants, the highest in series history. Modes like Grand Prix and Knockout Tour allow players to compete with friends and rivals from around the globe. Enjoy local play with up to four players on the same system or connect with up to eight players via local wireless play. Online features let you challenge players worldwide while cruising in Free Roam mode.
Experience enhanced online interaction with GameChat, allowing players to voice chat using the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone while racing. This feature will be available without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 31, 2026, after which a membership will be required.
Mario Kart World features a variety of exciting courses, including new tracks like the Mario Bros. Circuit and the modern streets of Crown City. Nostalgic tracks from previous games have been reimagined within this expansive environment. Choose from beloved characters such as Mario, Luigi, and Peach, or opt for more unconventional racers like Goomba and Spike.
Fight for victory with a mix of new and classic items, such as the Coin Shell, Ice Flower, and Mega Mushroom. These items can turn the tide of the race, especially when you're in a lower position and receive powerful boosts to help you catch up!
In addition to racing and battling, Mario Kart World offers various modes, including Time Trials and customizable VS Races. Players can challenge the clock or set their own racing rules. Features like Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate will help new players stay on track, while the Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessory provides an immersive driving experience.
With its launch on June 5, Mario Kart World promises an unforgettable racing experience for players of all ages. Head over to Nintendo's official site for the full presentation and stay tuned for more updates leading up to the release. The racetrack is waiting; it's time to start your engines!
