Today’s Nintendo Direct focused entirely on Mario Kart World, revealing all the exciting details about this thrilling new addition to the beloved franchise. Here’s everything we learned!
- An Interconnected World: For the first time in a Mario Kart game, drift, draft, and drive through a seamlessly interconnected world. In Mario Kart World, courses are linked by roads that connect one to the next, allowing players to experience the thrill of navigating the spaces between tracks as they race across a unified landscape.
- Grand Prix: Claim victory in the Grand Prix, a thrilling competition spanning four races within each Cup, such as the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup, and more, set across the game’s vibrant world. For the first time in the series, racers will transition seamlessly from one course to the next as part of the Grand Prix. In the Mushroom Cup, for instance, you’ll begin on the Mario Bros. Circuit, and the second race will take you on an exciting journey from Mario Bros. Circuit to Crown City. Master every Grand Prix Cup, and you might unlock a certain colorful, legendary course.
- Knockout Tour: Embark on an epic race across the globe in these high-stakes, extended rallies. With checkpoints scattered along the way, the pressure is on, fail to make the cut, and you’re out. These relentless sprints demand focus and speed, so stay sharp and keep up if you want to stay in the game. But it’s not just your rivals you’ll have to contend with. Be prepared to dodge vehicles firing Bullet Bills, avoid Hammer Bros. attacks, and navigate a variety of other hazards along the road. It’s a battle for survival, so keep your eyes on the prize and race your way to first place.
- Free Roam: Mario Kart World offers more than just racing, it’s a world full of adventure waiting to be explored. When you’re not chasing the finish line, switch gears and enjoy the scenic Free Roam mode. Discover breathtaking vistas, venture far off the beaten path, explore coastlines, and uncover hidden treasures like secret coins. Activate P Switches to unlock hundreds of missions designed to sharpen your driving skills beyond the track. Plus, capture the moment with photo mode, take a road trip, soak in the sights, and strike your best pose!
- Battle Mode: Get ready for the return of Battle Mode, now more chaotic and thrilling than ever! Compete to secure victory in Coin Runners by collecting the most coins, or unleash your arsenal of items in Balloon Battle to pop your opponents’ balloons. Take out all of a rival’s balloons, and they’re out of the game. Let the battles begin!
- New Techniques: Master the all-new Charge Jump move to overcome obstacles with ease. Use it to leap onto grindable rails, dodge rival attacks, or launch yourself toward walls for brief wall rides. Chain wall-rides together to discover hidden routes and shortcuts. Made a mistake during single-player Free Roam or a race? The Rewind feature lets you reset your vehicle to its previous position, offering a quick fix for driving errors. However, remember that while you rewind, your rivals continue moving, so use it wisely to maintain your lead.
- 24 Racers, Endless Competition: Mario Kart World raises the stakes with thrilling races featuring up to 24 players from across the globe, a new milestone in Mario Kart history. Dive into modes like Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, where the action comes alive with friends, familiar faces, and fierce rivals, all battling for the coveted first place.
- Fun for Everyone, Anytime, Anywhere: Mario Kart World delivers endless ways to play together, whether locally or online. Up to four players can race side-by-side in split-screen mode on one console, while local wireless play supports up to eight players (with two players per Nintendo Switch 2 console). For a global challenge, hop into online mode to compete or battle with players from around the world.
In Free Roam mode, the adventure becomes even more dynamic. Meet up with friends anywhere in the game’s expansive world, drive around, check their locations on the map, and instantly warp to join them. From thrilling races and custom-rule battles to scenic road trips, the possibilities for fun are limitless. - Enhanced Fun with GameChat: GameChat4 brings an upgraded online experience to Mario Kart World. With the built-in microphone on the Nintendo Switch 2, you can voice chat with friends while racing side by side or sit back and watch each other’s game screens. Enjoy GameChat for free with the GameChat Welcome Offer until 31st March 2026. After that, a Nintendo Switch Online3 membership will be required.
- CameraPlay: With the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (sold separately)*5, your face appears next to your racer, allowing you to see your friends’ reactions during online play. When playing locally with family and friends on the same console, a single camera can detect and display the faces of up to four players in-game, enhancing the shared experience.
- Courses: Mario Kart World offers an exciting variety of races set across its expansive universe. Take on brand-new tracks like the fast-paced Mario Bros. Circuit, the bustling streets of Crown City, the frosty trails of Starview Peak, and the eerie charm of Boo Cinema, to name just a few. Additionally, beloved courses from previous Mario Kart games have been beautifully reimagined, blending seamlessly into this vibrant new world and delivering fresh takes on familiar favorites.
- Characters: Take the wheel as beloved Mushroom Kingdom icons like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser. Want something a bit more unexpected? Hop into the driver’s seat with quirky racers like Goomba, Spike, or even the mischievous Cow.
- Items: Dominate the track with an exciting mix of new and returning items designed to shake up the race. Unleash the Coin Shell to knock opponents off course while summoning coins that boost the speed of anyone who collects them. Freeze the competition and send them spinning with the Ice Flower. Wield the Hammer to strike your rivals or temporarily block their path. Use the Mega Mushroom to grow in size and squash anyone in your way. Soar to new heights with the Feather. Call upon Kamek’s magic to transform your rivals into something unexpected, creating chaos on the course. The further back you are in the race, the more likely you are to receive powerful items that can turn the tide in your favor. When opportunity strikes, seize it!
- Drive-Thru and Dash: Swing by Yoshi’s for a taste of the local favorite, Dash Food! These grab-and-go meals not only give you a temporary speed boost but can also unlock stylish outfits for your character, available in the selection screen. With a variety of dishes and outfits to discover, make sure to stop by as you race through Mario Kart World!
- More Ways to Play: Whether you’re racing to the finish line or battling it out, Mario Kart World offers even more ways to spark some friendly competition. Take on the clock in Time Trials, where you can also go online to race against ghost data from players around the globe. For a more customised experience, dive into VS Race. Here, you can set the rules, choosing between two, three, or four teams and deciding whether to stick to classic three-lap races or mix things up with courses that flow seamlessly into one another.
- Roadside Assistance: Need a little extra support on race day? With features like Smart Steering to help you stay on track, Auto-Accelerate, and Tilt Controls for motion-based steering, you can customize your driving experience with ease. Turn these options on or off anytime to suit your style. For an even more immersive feel, pair them with the Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessory (available as a set of two, sold separately) and enjoy the sensation of real driving.
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Well, if the idea of this direct was to get us even more excited for this game and the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 then it worked on me, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the newest edition of one of my most played and favourite franchises of all time. Seriously is there a better multiplayer experience than a group of friends playing Mario Kart together? i think not.
