The recently concluded Mario Kart World Direct provided a wealth of exciting information about the upcoming title in the Mario Kart series. Dive in to discover more about the game's innovative free-roam world and its captivating features.
An Interconnected World
During the Mario Kart World Direct on April 17, Nintendo unveiled numerous aspects and features of the game. Players will have the freedom to explore Mario Kart World, navigating through familiar and new regions within the series.
Nintendo explained, "In Mario Kart World, the game's courses are interspersed across the world with roads leading from one to the next – allowing players to experience navigating roads in between courses!"
Embark on an adventure through the world of Mario, enriched with scenic views and iconic landmarks. As you roam, uncover hidden items and engage in missions to enhance your driving skills beyond traditional races.
The game features a mix of new and classic courses such as Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. These classic tracks have been reimagined to seamlessly integrate into the expansive world of Mario Kart.
Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World introduces two primary racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, both accommodating up to 24 racers, setting a new record for the series. Racers should be vigilant of various obstacles, including cars launching Bullet Bills and attacks from Hammer Bros.
In the Grand Prix, players must complete four consecutive races to compete for the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup, and others. A unique twist requires players to travel to the next race venue to continue the Grand Prix. Upon completing all cups, a mysterious "colorful course" appears, rumored to be the iconic Rainbow Road.
The Knockout Tour mode offers an exhilarating journey across the world, akin to a survival race. Players must finish in a qualifying position to advance to the next race, or face elimination from the tournament.
Items, Characters, and More
Mario Kart World introduces a variety of new and returning items for racers to use. Notable items include the Coin Shell, which can knock opponents aside while leaving a trail of coins, the Ice Flower that freezes opponents on contact, and the Big Mushroom, which enlarges players to squash competitors.
The game features a vibrant roster of characters from the Mushroom Kingdom, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and others. Newcomers like Goomba, Spike, and even Cow join the fray. Players can discover alternate costumes hidden throughout the world to personalize their racing experience.
Playing With Friends
Mario Kart World offers diverse game modes for players to enjoy. Time Trials enable players to compete against ghost data from other racers worldwide. VS mode allows for extensive customization, enabling players to form teams for competitive racing. Battle mode returns with Coin Runners, where collecting the most coins is key, and Balloon Battle, where the last racer with a balloon wins.
The game supports both local and online multiplayer, with up to four players racing in split-screen on one system. Local wireless play supports up to eight players (two per Switch 2 device). The new GameChat feature on the Switch 2 enhances communication, allowing players to chat and view each other's screens.
Additional features include Smart Steering to help players stay on track, Auto-accelerate for automatic forward movement, Tilt controls for a more immersive experience, and compatibility with the new Joy-Con 2 Wheel for an authentic racing feel.
Mario Kart World promises to revolutionize the kart-racing genre with its expansive, free-roam world, inviting players to explore the enchanting universe of Mario and his friends. The game is set to launch on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our related articles below!
