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Biggest Mario Kart Yet Features 24-Player Races, Open World Tracks, Knockout Tours, Free Roam, and More
REDMOND, Wash. – April 17, 2025 – Buckle up! During today’s Mario Kart World Direct, Nintendo revealed brand-new details and gameplay for Mario Kart World — the most expansive entry in the iconic racing series. Launching June 5, 2025, exclusively with Nintendo Switch 2, the game will also be available as part of a special hardware bundle featuring a Switch 2 system and a full game download.
The World Is Your Racetrack
For the first time in Mario Kart history, players will race through an interconnected open world — from bustling cities and sprawling deserts to underwater highways and snowy mountains. Dynamic weather, day/night cycles, and seamless transitions between regions create a racing experience like no other.
Game Features at a Glance:
Grand Prix, Reinvented
Classic Cups return — including Mushroom, Flower, and Star — but now with a twist: you drive from one course to the next. Start on Mario Bros. Circuit and race your way to Crown City and beyond.
Knockout Tour Mode
Survival meets speed in this high-stakes mode. Dash through extended rallies filled with hazards, checkpoints, and rival racers. Fail to reach a checkpoint in time or fall behind, and you’re eliminated. Expect chaos — from Bullet Bill trucks to Hammer Bro ambushes.
Free Roam Exploration
Hop off the track and explore the open world freely. Discover hidden areas, complete optional missions, collect coins, or just cruise with friends. Snap scenic photos along the way using the in-game camera.
Battle Mode Returns
Classic Battle Mode makes a triumphant return, featuring Balloon Battle and Coin Runners with added intensity and scale. Pop rivals’ balloons or collect the most coins to dominate the arena.
New Techniques & Tools
Charge Jump to leap over obstacles, grind rails, and ride walls.
Rewind lets you undo a driving mistake mid-race — but beware, the race continues for others!
Wall-Ride Chains and hidden shortcuts reward clever racers.
24 Racers. One Finish Line.
For the first time ever, Mario Kart World supports up to 24 players in Grand Prix and Knockout Tour races. Compete solo, split-screen, locally via wireless play, or online with global players.
GameChat Integration
Use the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in mic to chat in real time with friends, whether racing together or spectating. GameChat will be free for all players until March 31, 2026.
CameraPlay (with Switch 2 Camera)
See friends’ live reactions in-game or show off your own using Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (sold separately). One camera can track up to four faces in local play.
New & Classic Tracks
Race through brand-new circuits like:
Mario Bros. Circuit
Crown City
Starview Peak
Boo Cinema
Classic tracks from previous titles have been reimagined to fit within this cohesive world.
Expanded Character Roster
Play as favorites like Mario, Peach, Bowser, or unexpected picks like Goomba, Spike, or even Cow — yes, Cow.
New Items & Powerups
Coin Shell – Knocks foes and drops speed-boosting coins
Ice Flower – Freeze and spin out rivals
Mega Mushroom, Feather, and Kamek’s Magic – Each with wild effects and unexpected chaos
Dash Food & Unlockables
Visit roadside spots like Yoshi’s Drive-Thru for speed boosts and exclusive character outfits.
More Modes, More Mayhem
Time Trials – Compete against ghost racers from around the world
VS Race – Customize race formats and teams
Smart Assist – Use Smart Steering, Auto-Accelerate, or motion controls with Joy-Con 2 Wheels (sold separately)
Mario Kart World is set to be the definitive karting experience, blending tradition with innovation. Whether you’re a Grand Prix champion, a battle veteran, or a curious explorer, there’s a track — and a path — for everyone.
Get ready to start your engines on June 5, 2025.