Summary
- Mario Kart World introduces new outfits for characters, inspired by meals from different regions in the game.
- Players unlock outfits by eating Dash Food from Yoshi's drive-thru in free roam mode.
- Once the outfits are found in Free Roam, they're unlocked for use in the character selection screen.
Nintendo confirmed how Mario Kart World players will be able to find and unlock new outfits for each of the characters, while taking inspiration from drive-thrus. Originally revealed during the original Nintendo Switch 2 teaser trailer, Mario Kart World aims to become the biggest game in the franchise to date, making changes to the franchise formula while also introducing a massive open world.
While the debut Switch 2 teaser trailer gave fans a very quick look at the new game, Nintendo fully revealed Mario Kart World just recently, confirming numerous features like 24-character races across a massive open world. Unlike previous games, Mario Kart World appears to have an absolute massive roster of characters as well, featuring traditional options like Mario and Luigi, while supplementing them with unique or new picks such as the Moo Moo Meadow's Cow. Nintendo also revealed some new surprises during the Mario Kart World direct, including a new way to unlock cosmetics.
Mario Kart World: Most Exciting New Characters, Ranked
Mario Kart World introduces some exciting and niche characters into Nintendo's karting world, and here's the most exciting of the bunch.
During the official Mario Kart World Direct, Nintendo went into plenty of details regarding the Switch 2 launch title. As previously seen in trailers, players would be able to customize their racer with new outfits, such as Waluigi in a Mariachi suit, Mario in aviation-style clothing, and Bowser sporting an almost metal biker-style look, to name a few. Thankfully, fans now have an idea of how they can unlock these outfits, and it involves going through some drive-thrus.
Mario Kart World Introduces Dash Food and New Cosmetics
While exploring Mario Kart World's free roam mode, players will come across a diner-style restaurant called Yoshi's in the various regions of the map. As the name implies, players can use the drive-thru to pick up Dash Food, inspired by the region they're currently in. The food is utilized like a traditional Mario Kart item, and eating it will not only provide a slight burst of speed, but also change the visual look of the character. Better yet, once the outfit has been unlocked, players have full access to it and can select it for that character within the main menu for other Mario Kart World game modes.
While Mario Kart World is shaping up to be the most feature-rich game the franchise has seen so far, it can't seem to escape the controversy that currently surrounds the Switch 2. One of the more controversial reveals for the Nintendo Switch 2 was the pricing structure, with the base console originally revealed at $450, with Mario Kart World setting a new standard at $80. Furious at the prices, fans have been calling for Nintendo to drop the price, spamming messages during Nintendo livestreams and making their voices heard over social media. So far, Nintendo has yet to really comment or announce any changes due to the backlash.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- June 5, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
Hit the open road with Mario and friends! Zip around courses in a vast world where everything is connected. Race along grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, big ol' volcanos, and more—plus everything in between.
A sprawling world of courses. Speed across plains, cities, water, volcanos, and much more. Everything is connected!
Go beyond the course. There's more to racing than just the course. Hop off the course and race the distance to the next one!
Free Roam - Drive wherever your heart takes you. Where to? That's up to you! Take off in any direction in this new mode. Explore areas that pique your interest, and maybe even snap some in-game pics at scenic spots.
Play Together - Have a blast with friends, whether near or far. Up to 4 players can race on the same system. Play using your choice of button controls or motion controls. Attach a Joy-Con 2 controller to the optional Joy-Con 2 wheel accessory to wheely feel like you're driving. You can also play using Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers connected wirelessly.
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Prequel(s)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Franchise
- Mario Kart
- Number of Players
- 1-24
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
