Nintendo officially revealed Mario Kart World on April 17, in the Mario Kart World Direct. This new entry to the fan-favourite franchise ditches the classic cup system for an open-world karting adventure.
Here’s a quick breakdown of everything new coming to Mario Kart World.
1. All New Features, Maps, and Modes in Mario Kart World
In Mario Kart World, exploration takes center stage. The hub-like open world (called Free Roam Mode) lets players collect items, complete side quests, and uncover hidden secrets at their own pace.
This means that for the first time, Mario Kart World brings every course together in a single, expansive open world. Players get to traverse seamlessly from one area to the next without any loading screens.
Tracks are naturally connected via highways, dirt trails, and environmental transitions — one moment you’re drifting through a neon-lit metropolis, the next you’re speeding down snowy peaks or racing across desert canyons.
Some of the new World features include:
• Dynamic weather system that changes traction and visibility.
• A day/night cycle with evolving track conditions and new obstacles.
• NPCs offering side quests and challenges in Free Roam mode.
Free Roam Mode lets players engage in activities and hidden surprises filled in the world. Scattered throughout the environment are P-Switch Challenges, which test your timing and platforming skills through timed trials and clever puzzles.
You’ll also discover Peach Medallions, valuable collectibles that can be used to unlock cosmetic items, vehicle upgrades, and alternate character skins. A visit to Yoshi’s Restaurant offers a fun pit stop, where players can enjoy “Dash Food” for temporary stat boosts and earn exclusive themed outfits.
To top it all off, Photo Mode lets you capture every moment with full camera controls, fun filters, stickers, and customizable character poses, making every adventure uniquely yours.
i. New Gameplay Mechanics in Mario Kart World
Several fresh mechanics have been introduced to make the gameplay more immersive and fun, with players being able to interact with each other and the world in new ways:
- Charge Jump: Hold and release to launch into high jumps, perfect for clearing obstacles, hitting rails, or pulling off aerial tricks
- Wall Ride: Leap onto sloped surfaces to ride along walls — skilled players can even chain wall rides to discover hidden routes
- Rewind: A short time-reversal feature that lets you undo a mistake like a missed shortcut or bad turn — while rivals keep racing
These mechanics allow for creative routing, on-the-fly improvisation, and adaptability never before seen in the series.
ii. New and Returning Game Modes in Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World has something for every kind of player, blending beloved classics with bold new experiences.
Core Modes:
- Grand Prix: Now woven into the open world — complete cups by traveling between themed regions instead of selecting from a menu.
- Time Trials: Includes global ghost uploads, full race replays, and customizable split tracking.
- VS Race: Create custom rules for both local and online matches.
New Competitive Additions:
- Knockout Tour: A hybrid race-elimination mode where racers must reach timed checkpoints or get eliminated.
- Battle Mode: Returns with favorites like Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, now upgraded with team-based play, elimination rounds, and fully destructible arenas.
iii. New and Returning Race Courses in Mario Kart World
Nintendo has been carefully crafting expansive regions packed with alternate routes, hidden secrets, and dynamic event triggers for the newest entry of the Mario Kart Franchise. Here’s what we’ve been able to find out so far:
New Race Courses:
- Mario Bros. Circuit – A retro-inspired course with 8-bit visuals, pixel ramps, and warp pipe shortcuts.
- Crown City – A lightning-fast urban route featuring heavy traffic, skyscraper wall rides, and metro tunnels.
- Salty Salty Speedway – A water-based track with shifting tides, underwater caves, and dynamic flooding.
- Starview Peak – A fog-shrouded mountain route with steep vertical drops and fragile wooden bridges.
- Boo Cinema – A haunted multiplex where movie screens come alive mid-race.
Remastered Classic Tracks:
- Peach Beach (Double Dash!!)
- Wario Shipyard (Mario Kart 7)
- Toad’s Factory (Mario Kart Wii)
- DK Pass (Mario Kart DS)
- Rainbow Road – Teased as the grand finale course, now featuring moving hazards like Bullet Bill launchers and Hammer Bros.
iv. All Confirmed Characters in Mario Kart World Roster
Mario Kart World has set out to have the biggest character lineup yet — with over 60 playable characters available at launch and even more hinted as unlockable through gameplay.
Alongside fan favorites like Mario, Peach, and Bowser, several unexpected newcomers join the race like Goomba, Spike, Cataquack, Penguin and Cow.
Unlockable custom outfits — earned through Free Roam challenges and Dash Food rewards — add an extra flair and option for personalization to your favourite characters.
v. New Player Items in Mario Kart World
The item-based gameplay will become wilder and chaotic with Mario Kart World introducing new items, promising a race that could end friendships.
| Item | Effect |
| Coin Shell | Hits rivals and drops coins they can collect for speed boosts. |
| Ice Flower | Freezes opponents temporarily, causing them to spin out or stop. |
| Mighty Hammer | A close-range melee item that smashes nearby racers and blocks incoming attacks. |
Classic items like Red Shells, Banana Peels, Bullet Bills, and Super Horns will return with revamped visuals and smoother animations.
vi. Multiplayer Mode in Mario Kart World
Multiplayer is a major focus in Mario Kart World, delivering the most connected experience the series has ever offered.
| Multiplayer Type | Details |
| Online Races | Supports up to 24 players with skill-based matchmaking, rankings, and voice/GameChat integration. |
| Split-Screen | Up to 4 players on a single console. |
| Wireless Play | Link up to 8 consoles, with 2 players per Nintendo Switch 2 system. |
| Free Roam Online | Explore the open world together, warp directly to friends, and join co-op missions or side quests. |
Social features are getting a major overhaul with webcam support, an emote wheel, and maybe even co-op objectives in Free Roam mode (though that is yet to be confirmed).
2. What is the pricing of Mario Kart World?
Due to ongoing tariff-related delays, U.S. and Canadian pre-orders are currently paused. However, Nintendo has confirmed that the global release date is still set for June 5, 2025. The following are the pricing plans:
- Mario Kart World: $79.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Console: $449.99
- Bundle (Console + Game): $499.99
With Mario Kart World, Nintendo aims to deliver the ultimate kart racing experience — a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Whether you’re chasing victory at top speed, embracing the unpredictable chaos, or simply exploring the open world with friends, this installment is going to reinvent what a Mario Kart game can be.
3. About Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World is an upcoming kart racing game developed and published by Nintendo, set to release on June 5, 2025, as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The game introduces a groundbreaking open-world system, allowing players to freely drive between interconnected race tracks on a large map. Mario Kart World supports up to 24 players in online multiplayer, with features like split-screen gameplay, GameChat, and webcam support for enhanced interaction. The game boasts a roster of over 40 playable characters, including both classic favorites and new additions like Peepa, Cataquack, and Pokey.
Mario Kart World will be available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.
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