Mario Kart World: A Bold New Era of Racing Begins June 5 on Nintendo Switch 2

For decades, Mario Kart has reigned as one of the most beloved and consistently fun racing franchises in gaming history. But now, with the upcoming release of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo is redefining what a Mario Kart game can be.

Launching June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World promises to be the most ambitious, expansive, and feature-packed entry in the franchise’s history. The announcement came via a brand-new Mario Kart World Direct presentation, and it’s safe to say: fans are in for something truly groundbreaking.

From an interconnected open world and dynamic weather to 24-player races, free roam exploration, and new characters, items, and gameplay mechanics, this is the ultimate Mario Kart experience. Here's your full breakdown of everything announced—and why this may be the biggest evolution in the franchise yet.

The World is Your Racetrack: An Interconnected World Awaits

For the first time ever, Mario Kart is ditching the isolated race tracks in favor of a fully interconnected world. Instead of selecting tracks from a menu, players will now drive from course to course, exploring an expansive, vibrant world filled with cities, deserts, mountains, oceans, and more.

This seamless design allows for dynamic transitions between environments and introduces exploration mechanicsnever before seen in the franchise. It’s not just about racing anymore—it’s about the journey.

New Game Modes Bring Fresh Competition and Endless Fun

Nintendo didn’t just redesign the world—they reimagined how you race.

Grand Prix

Classic Mario Kart Cups return (Mushroom, Flower, Star, etc.), but now you’ll drive from race to race, rather than loading into each track individually. You might begin with Mario Bros. Circuit and find yourself navigating the streets toward Crown City in your next race—all without breaking immersion.

Knockout Tour

This new high-stakes mode pits you in rally-style races across long distances with checkpoints throughout. If you fail to reach the next checkpoint in time? You’re out. Throw in environmental hazards, Bullet Bill vehicles, and Hammer Bro attacks, and you've got a thrilling, chaotic new way to race.

Reader question: Would you survive a Knockout Tour, or would the chaos knock you out early?

Free Roam

This isn’t just a racing game anymore—it’s an adventure. Free Roam mode lets you explore the world at your own pace, discover hidden missions, hunt for coins, trigger P Switches, take in-game photos, and just enjoy the drive. It’s a massive step forward for those who love the Mario Kart universe beyond its competitive side.

Upgraded Techniques and Tools to Master the Road

Racing has always been about more than speed. In Mario Kart World, new techniques give players creative control over their karts.

• Charge Jump: Leap over gaps, grind rails, and wall-ride to reach hidden paths or avoid attacks.
• Rewind Feature: Made a wrong turn or flew off the track? Rewind to correct your mistake—but your rivals won’t stop moving.

These additions offer depth for hardcore players while remaining accessible to new racers.

More Racers, More Fun: Up to 24 Players Online

This time around, races support up to 24 racers simultaneously—the most in franchise history. Whether you're tearing up the Grand Prix or surviving the Knockout Tour, the track has never been more alive with competition.

Local play supports up to 4 players on a single screen, while wireless LAN allows for 8 players across multiple systems. Online modes connect players globally, and thanks to the map and warp system, friends can instantly meet up anywhere in the world.

GameChat and CameraPlay: Social Racing Gets a Major Upgrade

Nintendo introduces GameChat, a new communication system allowing voice chat without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 31, 2026. Use the built-in microphone to coordinate races or chat during Free Roam.

With CameraPlay (using the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera), your face appears beside your racer, and during local sessions, a single camera can detect up to four players.

New and Classic Courses Collide

The world of Mario Kart World is brimming with iconic and original tracks:

• Mario Bros. Circuit
• Crown City
• Starview Peak
• Boo Cinema

Plus, remastered versions of classic tracks return, integrated naturally into the open-world format.

Expanded Roster: Play as Goomba, Spike... or Even a Cow

Fan favorites like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser return—but Nintendo is also letting loose. Take Goomba, Spike, or even Cow for a spin. Yes, you read that right.

New Items Bring More Mayhem

Classic Mario Kart chaos returns with a brand-new arsenal of items:

• Coin Shells: Knock out rivals and spawn speed-boosting coins.
• Ice Flower: Freeze and spin your opponents.
• Mega Mushroom: Go big—literally—and flatten the competition.
• Kamek’s Magic: Transform rivals into something... unexpected.

The lower your position, the more powerful your items—so even underdogs can win it all.

Drive-Thru Bonuses and Custom Outfits

Make a pit stop at Yoshi’s Dash Food and grab a speed-boosting snack. Some meals even unlock unique character outfits. Customization meets gameplay in an inventive twist that rewards exploration.

Classic Modes, Reimagined

Other returning favorites include:

• Battle Mode – Featuring Coin Runners and Balloon Battle, now with elimination rules.
• Time Trials – Compete against global ghost data.
• VS Race – Customize team sizes and track rules for personalized competition.

Smart Features for All Skill Levels

Nintendo has not forgotten about accessibility. Players can enable:

• Smart Steering
• Auto-Accelerate
• Tilt Controls
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel compatibility (sold separately)

These tools ensure players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy Mario Kart World their way.

Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle Available June 5

Want it all in one package? A Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle launches June 5 alongside the game. It’s the perfect way to jump into the next generation of kart racing.

Final Thoughts: Mario Kart’s Greatest Leap Forward

Mario Kart World is more than a racing game—it’s a celebration of everything fans love about the series, fused with bold innovations that push it into uncharted territory. The interconnected world, diverse gameplay modes, and wildly creative additions make this the most promising Mario Kart yet.

So, are you ready to start your engines and explore the world?
Which new feature are you most excited about: the free roam, the 24-player online chaos, or the outrageous new items and racers?
Let us know your thoughts—and prepare to hit the road on June 5!