Mario Kart World: Release Date and Time

Mario Kart World will be the first brand-new entry in the series in over 10 years. Mario Kart 8 was the most recent game of the franchise on Switch, and it was originally released for the Wii U in 2014.

Mario Kart World FAQ (All Game Modes, Items, Racers & More)

This Mario Kart World FAQ has the answers to every burning question you have leading up to the game's release.

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By Chris Jecks

While it had several DLC packs, which helped keep it fresh for a while, many fans were hoping for a new Mario Kart for ages. This article gives players helpful information on the launch of Mario Kart World, the debut game for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Mario Kart World Release Date and Time

June 5, 2025

Mario Kart World is set to release alongside the Switch 2 on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Gamers who have ordered a physical version of Mario Kart World or plan to purchase it in stores will be able to play it as soon as their local retailers add it to their stock this Thursday.

Players who get the Switch 2 bundle with Mario Kart World as a digital download code or get it separately in the eShop will be able to play at midnight in most regions. However, in regions where there are several time zones, it can be a bit more complicated. In the US, Nintendo games tend to release at 9 PM PT on the night before it's official launch date, which coincides with midnight in the eastern timezone, but this is an exception, and in other regions, gamers will have to wait for 12 AM local time.

Even though release times for Switch 2 games have not been disclosed yet, there is no reason to believe that they will be any different compared to the original Switch model. According to the official Nintendo of America website, digital software that is also sold physically becomes available at 9 PM PT the day before its physical launch.

Can You Play Mario Kart World on Switch 1?

Will Mario Kart World Be Available on the Original Switch?

Mario Kart World is a day-one launch game for Switch 2, and as one of the most popular Nintendo franchises, many players are curious if they'll have to acquire the Switch's successor or if they'll eventually be able to play it on the original Switch model.

Mario Kart World is not coming to the original Nintendo Switch console, so gamers who want to play it must do so on Switch 2.

The Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will be in production until Fall 2025, allowing players to save some money if they plan on acquiring a console and the latest game in the Mario Kart series. While the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World cost $449.99 and $79.99 respectively by themselves, players can save $29.99 if they purchase the bundle together, as it only costs $499.99.

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