The recently concluded Mario Kart World Direct has unveiled exciting details about the highly anticipated addition to the Mario Kart series. Dive in to discover more about the game's expansive free-roam world and its unique features.
Mario Kart World Direct Reveals
An Interconnected World
Nintendo's Mario Kart World Direct, held on April 17, showcased the game's innovative features. Players can now explore Mario Kart World, navigating through both beloved and brand-new regions.
According to Nintendo, "In Mario Kart World, the game's courses are seamlessly connected with roads leading from one to the next – allowing players to experience the thrill of driving between courses!"
Embark on a journey through Mario's world like never before, with stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks spread throughout. Players can also find hidden items and complete missions to enhance their driving skills beyond the traditional races.
The game features an array of new and classic courses, including Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard. These classic courses have been reimagined to fit seamlessly into this expansive new Mario Kart experience.
Grand Prix and Knockout Tour
Mario Kart World introduces two main racing modes: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, both supporting up to 24 racers, marking the largest field in the series' history. Racers need to be vigilant of numerous obstacles, including cars launching Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros' attacks.
In the Grand Prix, players compete in four consecutive races to win cups such as the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, and Star Cup. Unlike previous games, players must physically travel to the next race location to continue the Grand Prix. Completing all Grand Prix Cups unlocks a mysterious "colorful course," rumored to be the iconic Rainbow Road.
The Knockout Tour mode offers extended races across the world, functioning as a survival mode where racers must place well enough to advance, or face elimination from the rally.
Items, Characters, and More
Mario Kart World introduces a fresh arsenal of items, alongside familiar favorites. New items include the Coin Shell, which can knock opponents aside while leaving a trail of collectible coins, the Ice Flower, which freezes anyone it touches, and the Big Mushroom, which enlarges players to squash other racers.
The game features a vibrant cast of classic Mushroom Kingdom characters such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, joined by new additions like Goomba, Spike, and even a Cow. Players can unlock alternate costumes for these characters, hidden throughout the game's world.
Playing With Friends
Mario Kart World offers a variety of multiplayer modes to enjoy with friends. Time Trials let players compete against the ghost data of others online. VS mode provides extensive customization options, allowing players to form racing teams. Battle mode returns with Coin Runners, where the goal is to collect the most coins, and Balloon Battle, where the last balloon standing wins.
The game supports both local and online play, with up to four players racing in split-screen on a single system. Local wireless play allows up to 8 players (2 per Switch 2 device) to race together. The new GameChat feature on the Switch 2 enables in-race communication and screen sharing.
Additional options include Smart Steering to keep players on track, Auto-accelerate for automatic forward movement, Tilt controls for enhanced immersion, and support for the new Joy-Con 2 Wheel for an authentic racing experience.
Mario Kart World is set to revolutionize the kart-racing genre by offering an open world for exploration and enjoyment. The game is scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this thrilling new game!
