In today’s Mario Kart World Direct, Nintendo officially lifted the curtain on Mario Kart World, the most ambitious entry in the long-running series, arriving June 5 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. A special bundle featuring the console and a digital copy of the game will also be available at launch.

A Fully Interconnected Racing World

For the first time in Mario Kart history, Mario Kart World features an open, interconnected environment. Racers can explore and drive seamlessly across a diverse landscape of cities, deserts, oceans, and more. Whether you’re chasing the podium in Grand Prix, competing in the new Knockout Tour, or enjoying a laid-back drive in Free Roam, the entire world is your racetrack.

Modes Built for All Types of Racers

• Grand Prix: The classic four-race format returns but with a twist—racers must drive from course to course through the open world. Win across cups like the Mushroom, Flower, and Star Cups to unlock new routes and a mysterious “colourful” course.
• Knockout Tour: A survival-based rally where racers drive across the world with elimination checkpoints. Expect intense races, deadly obstacles, and relentless AI rivals.
• Free Roam: Slow things down and explore the world at your own pace. Find hidden coins, hit P Switches to complete missions, or snap photos at scenic locations.
• Battle Mode: Classic chaos returns in Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, with added ferocity. Pop rival balloons or hoard coins to take the win.
• Time Trials & VS Race: Race against ghost data in Time Trials or customise the chaos in VS Race, including team-based formats and cross-course routes.

New Gameplay Mechanics and Features

• Charge Jump: A new trick move that lets players leap over obstacles, grind rails, and even wall-ride. Chaining wall-rides reveals secret paths.
• Rewind: Made a wrong turn? Rewind allows you to reset your position, though the race continues around you—use wisely.
• 24 Racers per Race: Mario Kart World supports up to 24 racers in key modes—more than any previous game.
• GameChat: Use the Switch 2’s built-in mic to voice chat during races or while watching others in spectator mode. GameChat is free until March 31, 2026.
• CameraPlay: The optional Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory can show your face next to your racer or display reactions from friends online. One camera supports up to four players locally.

New Characters, Items, and Courses

Expect returning favourites like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser—alongside unexpected additions like Goomba, Spike, and even Cow. Tracks include brand-new stages like Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Starview Peak, and Boo Cinema. Classic tracks from past Mario Kart titles have also been reimagined within the interconnected world.

New and returning items bring more ways to disrupt the race:

• Coin Shell: Knocks back rivals and creates collectible speed-boosting coins.
• Ice Flower, Mega Mushroom, Hammer, and Feather: Classic chaos-makers return.
• Kamek’s Magic: Adds unpredictable transformations to the mix.

And if you’re feeling hungry, stop by Yoshi’s Dash Food drive-thrus for in-game treats that boost your speed or unlock character outfits.

Play Solo or With Friends – Anytime, Anywhere

• Up to four players can race split-screen on a single console.
• Up to eight players can connect via local wireless (two players per system).
• Online multiplayer supports drop-in/drop-out racing or roaming the world together in Free Roam. You can also instantly warp to your friends’ location.

Support for All Skill Levels

Accessibility options like Smart Steering, Auto-Accelerate, and motion controls are all included. For a more immersive experience, players can use the new Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessory (sold separately).

Mario Kart World is shaping up to be more than just the next entry in the series—it’s a complete evolution of the franchise formula. With expansive exploration, larger lobbies, new gameplay mechanics, and seamless multiplayer, it’s setting a new bar for kart racing games.

For more information, visit Nintendo’s official site.