Mario Kart World Unveils New Modes, Items, Characters, and Open World Exploration

Nintendo has revealed detailed information about Mario Kart World, which they labeled "the biggest Mario Kart game in series history." The game will launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 console on June 5, 2025.

In a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct presentation, Nintendo showcased the game's ambitious new features, including an interconnected open world, up to 24-player races, and new gameplay mechanics. This marks a significant evolution for the long-running racing series, which began in 1992.

An Interconnected World to Explore

For the first time in Mario Kart history, players will be able to drive virtually anywhere in an interconnected world. According to the presentation, this world includes diverse environments like cities, plains, deserts, and even oceans.

The game's courses are spread throughout this world, with roads connecting one race track to another. This new structure means players will actually drive from one course to the next during Grand Prix mode rather than returning to a menu screen.

Racing Modes

Mario Kart World introduces several exciting game modes:

Grand Prix: The traditional cup-based racing returns with Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup, and more. Each cup consists of four races, and players must physically drive between courses. Completing all Grand Prix cups might unlock a "colorful course," likely referring to the series' iconic Rainbow Road.

Knockout Tour: This new battle-royale style mode challenges players to race from one end of the world to the other. Players who don't reach checkpoints in time are eliminated, with the last driver standing declared the winner.

Free Roam: When not racing, players can explore the world at their leisure. Free Roam includes hundreds of missions activated by P Switches, hidden coins to collect, and a photo mode to capture memorable moments.

Beyond the main racing modes, Mario Kart World offers:

Time Trials: Race against the clock with no competitors, or download ghost data from online players to compete against their times.

VS Race: Customize race rules with options for two, three, or four teams. Choose between classic three-lap races or driving from one course to another, even using routes not available in Grand Prix or Knockout Tour.

Battle Mode: Includes Balloon Battle, where players use items to pop rivals' balloons, and Coin Runners, where the goal is to collect the most coins.

Enhanced Multiplayer

Mario Kart World significantly expands the multiplayer experience with:

Up to 24 racers in a single race (online)
Four-player split-screen on one system
Local wireless play with up to eight players
Free roaming with friends between races
GameChat for voice communication
CameraPlay feature that shows players' faces during races (requires Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, sold separately)

The GameChat feature lets players talk while driving together or watch each other's game screens. When playing locally, a single camera can detect up to four people's faces simultaneously.

New Gameplay Mechanics

The game introduces several new techniques to master:

Charge Jump: Activated by holding the drift button while driving straight ahead, this move allows players to leap over obstacles, grind along power lines, dodge attacks, and even ride on walls for short periods.

Rewind: Lets players try again if they miss a jump or take a turn poorly. As the presentation says, "be kind and rewind" to return your vehicle to its original position. However, rivals continue moving normally during rewinds.

Dash Food: Players can visit Yoshi's drive-thru restaurants around the world to grab "an order to go." These Dash Food items provide speed boosts and unlock special outfits inspired by your meal. Examples shown include sushi, cheeseburgers, skewers, chips, roasted meat, pizza, and ice cream.

Extensive Character Roster

Mario Kart World features a vast lineup of characters including fan favorites like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi and Bowser, as well as more unusual choices like Goomba, Spike, and even a Cow.

The presentation hints that "even more new racers are waiting and ready to roll." Characters and vehicles each have different stats, so players can find the combination that best suits their racing style.

New and Classic Courses

Mario Kart World features many new tracks like "Mario Bros. Circuit," where players can "ride the ridges and roads around the canyon," and "Crown City," allowing racers to "soar in style down Main Street."

Players can also drift along waterways in "Salty Salty Speedway," navigate snowy trails in "Starview Peak," and race through a ghostly movie theater in "Boo Cinema."

Nostalgic courses from previous Mario Kart games have also been reimagined, including Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. These classic tracks are integrated into the new world and feature dynamic weather conditions and a day/night cycle.

Accessibility Features

Nintendo has included several support features to make the game accessible to players of all skill levels:

Smart Steering
Tilt Controls (compatible with Joy-Con 2 wheel)
Auto-Use Item
Auto-Accelerate
Adjustable camera settings

New Items

While familiar items like Bullet Bill and Lightning return, Mario Kart World adds several new power-ups:

Coin Shell: Knocks rivals off course and creates a trail of collectible coins
Ice Flower: Freezes enemies
Hammer: Attacks rivals or blocks their path
Mega Mushroom: Grows players to enormous size
Feather: Allows players to jump and avoid attacks
Kamek: Transforms rivals into something mysterious

Pricing and Bundle

Mario Kart World will be priced at $79.99, representing a $10 increase over standard game pricing. However, Nintendo is offering a limited-time bundle that includes the Nintendo Switch 2 console and Mario Kart World for $499.99, effectively discounting the game by $30.

For fans wanting more information, Nintendo has provided the complete Mario Kart World Direct presentation at nintendo.com.