As the anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 reaches fever pitch, Mario Kart World news has quickly become one of the most exciting topics for fans of the beloved franchise. Mario Kart has always been a cornerstone of Nintendo’s gaming lineup, and its next entry, Mario Kart World, promises to take the series to new heights. After years of speculation, Nintendo has finally unveiled Mario Kart World, a groundbreaking addition to the franchise set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. This marks the first time the iconic racing series will be available exclusively on the new console, giving fans a fresh and exhilarating experience.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into all the latest Mario Kart World news, from the thrilling gameplay features to the exciting new modes and characters. With a global race map, an expanded roster, and innovative mechanics like Free Roam and Knockout Tour, Mario Kart World is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. The Mario Kart World news also reveals a host of new courses, items, and mechanics that will revolutionize the way we experience the game.
Stay tuned as we break down everything you need to know about Mario Kart World, from its stunning new tracks to the innovative gameplay that will keep players on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the series or new to the world of Mario Kart, this upcoming release promises to deliver a high-speed, adrenaline-pumping experience like never before. So buckle up as we explore all the details and give you the full scoop on the Mario Kart World news you’ve been waiting for!
Mario Kart World News Release Date and Platforms
Mario Kart World news officially dropped during the April 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation. The highly anticipated game is set to launch alongside the new Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. For those hoping to play Mario Kart World news on the Nintendo Switch, it’s important to note that the game will be exclusive to the Switch 2, marking the first Mario Kart game on this next-generation console. This exclusivity also means that Mario Kart World news won’t be available on older hardware, such as the original Nintendo Switch or other platforms like PS5 or Xbox Series X.
The game’s reveal trailer debuted during the Nintendo Switch 2 event in January, teasing a desert track with familiar elements from the Mario Kart universe. However, the full confirmation came months later, with a release window of June 2025, alongside a series of exciting announcements about new features, modes, and characters.
Gameplay: A New Era for Mario Kart
Power up and blast past the competition in worldwide tracks.
Mario Kart World news is taking a bold new direction for the series with its open-world concept. Unlike the traditional, track-based races seen in previous Mario Kart games, Mario Kart World will feature expansive, interconnected regions across the globe. Players will be able to race through various environments with different weather conditions, times of day, and even venture off the main tracks to explore the world. This open-world design aims to create a more dynamic and immersive racing experience, allowing players to not only race but also freely explore the world, uncover secrets, and engage in fun off-road adventures.
The gameplay will also include a new “Free Roam” mode, where players can drive around the tracks without worrying about race rules or time limits. This will be a perfect mode for those who want to casually drive around the vibrant, expansive environments with friends or just enjoy the sights. In addition, Mario Kart World news introduces a new photo mode, enabling players to capture and share their experiences with ease.
A series first for the franchise, Mario Kart World news will feature 24-player races, drastically increasing the number of participants compared to previous entries, which capped at 12. This new player capacity will make races more chaotic and exciting, with larger groups navigating the tracks and competing for victory.
Mario Kart World New Mechanics and Features
Mario Kart World brings several new gameplay mechanics that add depth and variety to the series. One of the standout features is the introduction of the “Charge Jump” move, which allows players to jump onto rails, avoid incoming attacks, and discover hidden routes within the courses. This mechanic will encourage players to explore different tactics and strategies to gain an edge over their competitors.
Additionally, Mario Kart World will allow players to unlock various outfits for their characters by discovering food items scattered across the tracks. This adds a layer of customization to the game and gives players more ways to express themselves while racing.
Another major feature of Mario Kart World is the new vehicle customization system. Unlike previous entries, where players could choose individual parts like wheels and gliders, Mario Kart Worldfeatures fully-formed vehicles, offering players a more streamlined and polished selection of vehicles.
Voice chat will also be supported for Nintendo Switch Online members, adding a layer of social interaction during races. Players can communicate with friends and teammates in real-time, which should make multiplayer races even more thrilling. Additionally, the game will feature tilt controls, allowing players to use motion controls for steering, along with a special Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessory for a more immersive experience.
Mario Kart World Tracks and Courses: New and Retro Favorites
Mario Kart World will feature an exciting mix of new tracks and retro favorites. The game’s open-world structure means players will race through diverse environments, from desert highways to sprawling cities, with each track offering a unique challenge.
Some of the new tracks revealed so far include:
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown City (an urban metropolis)
- Salty Salty Speedway
- Boo Cinema
- Faraway Oasis
In addition to these new courses, Mario Kart World news will bring back some beloved retro tracks from past games, including:
- Toad’s Factory (Mario Kart Wii)
- Peach Beach (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)
- Wario’s Galleon (Mario Kart 7)
- Rainbow Road
- Moo Moo Meadows (Mario Kart Wii)
This combination of new and familiar tracks will ensure that both old and new fans can enjoy the game, whether they are racing through nostalgic environments or exploring fresh new landscapes.
Mario Kart World News: Characters
One of the most exciting aspects of Mario Kart World news is the expanded character roster. In a series first, there will be 24 characters racing at once, offering more variety and excitement. Fans of the Mario Kart series will recognize many of the classic characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser, but there are also a few surprising additions to the roster.
Confirmed characters include:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Princess Peach
- Bowser
- Donkey Kong
- Yoshi
- Toad
- Wario
- Waluigi
- Rosalina
Additionally, Mario Kart Worldintroduces a variety of new racers, including:
- Pauline (from Super Mario Odyssey)
- Moo Moo Meadows cow
- Stingby
- Fish Bone
- Nabbit
- Goomba
- Wiggler
Each character will come with a selection of different outfits, allowing players to customize their appearance and race in style. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or excited to try out the new additions, there will be a racer for every type of player.
Mario Kart World Modes
In addition to the traditional modes such as Grand Prix and Time Trials, Mario Kart World introduces several exciting new modes designed to enhance the gameplay experience. One of the most notable new modes is Free Roam, where players can explore the world without being bound by race rules. This mode lets players casually drive around the expansive environments, creating opportunities for exploration and fun.
Another new mode is Knockout Tour, a transcontinental rally where 24 players race across interconnected tracks, with players being eliminated at each checkpoint. The goal is to avoid being knocked out and make it to the final two, who will compete for the win.
Other modes include:
- Grand Prix: The classic mode where players race against each other to claim victory across multiple courses.
- Time Trials: Compete for the best lap times and set records.
- VS Races: Create up to four teams and race against each other.
Mario Kart World Price and Pre-order Details
As the release date for Mario Kart World draws near, fans are eager to secure their copy of the game. The price for Mario Kart World is set at $79.99 in the United States for the standard edition. In the UK, the digital edition will cost £66.99, while the physical version will be priced at £74.99.
For those looking to get the game along with the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, there will be special pre-order bundles available. These bundles will include a copy of Mario Kart Worldand the Switch 2 console for a combined price of $499.99.
Conclusion: A New Era for Mario Kart
Mario Kart World is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases for the Nintendo Switch 2. With its open-world gameplay, new mechanics, expansive character roster, and innovative modes, it’s clear that Nintendo is taking the franchise in bold new directions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Mario Kart, Mario Kart Worldoffers something for everyone. With its June 5, 2025, release date fast approaching, fans have plenty to look forward to in this groundbreaking installment of the iconic racing series.
Read the news recap of the latest trends in video game industry via Gamerative.
FAQs
Will Mario Kart World support cross-region online matchmaking?
Yes, Mario Kart World will feature full global matchmaking support. Players from different regions will be able to race against each other in real time, thanks to improved online infrastructure on the Nintendo Switch 2. Additionally, regional leaderboards and time zone-based events are planned to encourage global participation while maintaining fair play conditions.
Can players create custom races or modify course conditions in Mario Kart World?
While players won’t be able to build custom tracks from scratch, Mario Kart World will introduce a Race Modifier feature. This allows users to adjust environmental variables, like weather, time of day, and hazard intensity, on existing tracks before starting a race. This adds a layer of replayability and strategy for both casual and competitive racers.
Will Mario Kart World have post-launch content or seasonal updates?
Yes, Nintendo has confirmed that Mario Kart World will receive seasonal content updates for at least the first year after launch. These updates will include limited-time events, new vehicle skins, themed character outfits, and potentially new tracks or challenges. A seasonal pass may also be offered as part of a broader Nintendo Switch Online expansion tier.
