Summary
- Mario Kart World revealed with new features like Freeroam mode.
- Knockout Tour is another new mode coming to Mario Kart World.
- Game will include new characters, power-ups, and gameplay mechanics for a more immersive racing experience.
During the April 2, 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company revealed that the next Mario Kart game, Mario Kart World, will include a slew of new features including vehicle transformations, multiple game modes, and semi-open world roaming. Mario Kart World will be releasing June 5, the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2, making it one of the major first-party launch titles on the next generation of Nintendo consoles.
First teased during the January 16 Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer, Mario Kart World will be the newest entry in the smash-hit Mario Kart franchise. Its most recent predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, currently ranks number one among the best-selling Nintendo Switch games of all time, and players are already gearing up for another big launch in one of the company's biggest franchises.
Everything Announced at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct - Live Updates
Nintendo hosts a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation that reveals all kinds of exciting details about the company's next-generation console.
The first reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct gave fans a more detailed look at Mario Kart World, including new abilities, more playable characters, upcoming courses, and the various game modes that players will be able to experience for the first time in a Mario Kart game. Mario Kart World will see players diving into one of several major game modes, set within a vast world where kart races are held in various regions. Players will have to face off in a 24-racer competition, with the time of day and weather conditions altering the in-game atmosphere with sunlight, rain, and more. In addition to the extended trailer, Nintendo announced that a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct will be happening on April 17, giving fans an even closer look at the next entry in the Mario Kart franchise.
Mario Kart World: New Game Modes, Gameplay Features, and More
- Grand Prix
- Knockout Tour
- Freeroam
Two new game modes were revealed for Mario Kart World. Knockout Tour is a series of elimination races where players will have to meet the minimum finish position to stay in the competition. Freeroam will allow players to explore "virtually anywhere" within the game, allowing for offroad excursions. Some of the new gameplay features showcased for Mario Kart World include rail grinding, wall jumping, and kart transformations, such as a snowmobile and jetskii. Brand-new Mario Kart power-ups will include a giant hamburger, a?-Block loaded with coins, and a Hammberbros hammer-toss ability. One of the cows from Moo Moo Meadows, a Chargin' Chuck, and Nabbit can be spotted driving around on the new tracks, teasing some of the new characters that will be joining the roster when Mario Kart World launches on June 5.
Mario Kart World looks to be one of the biggest games in the Mario Kart game series, with more racers on each track, the first-ever Freeroam mode, and brand-new gameplay mechanics to expand the racing experience for both new and veteran players. Interested fans can stay tuned for more Mario Kart World updates ahead of its June launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Operating System
- Proprietary
- Storage
- 256GB internal / MicroSD
- Resolution
- 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- App Store
- Nintendo eShop
- Wi-Fi
- Yes