Dexerto / NintendoMario Kart World is set to be the biggest Switch 2 launch game. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Mario racing game, including the all-new map and latest features that were announced on April 17.
Mario Kart World was announced during the Switch 2 Direct, during which they revealed Street Fighter 6, Drag X Drive, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and more. During the latest Mario Kart World Direct on April 17, Nintendo also unveiled new features for the launch game. Find out everything you need to know about the new game, including all the very latest updates, here.
Mario Kart World release date
Mario Kart World will be releasing on the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2, which is June 5. Meaning you’ll be able to get it as soon as you get the new console.
Full Mario Kart World map
Dexerto / NintendoDuring the Mario Kart World Direct on April 17, we were treated to the first glimpse at the entire map. This includes deserts, volcanoes, snowy mountains, water races, and of course some classic street racing, including multiple forests and open spaces.
As highlighted by the Direct, this is the biggest Mario Kart game yet, and the map proves it. Naturally, you can freely drive through them.
Courses
During the April 17 direct, we also got a glimpse at some of the new courses, including:
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown City
- Salty Salty Speedway
- Starview Peak
- Boo Cinema
- Toad’s Factory
- Peach Beach
- Wario Shipyard
- Whistlestop Summit
- DK Spaceport
- Desert Hills
- Shy Guy Bazaar
- Wario Stadium
- Airship Fortress
- DK Pass
- Sky-High Sundae
- Koopa Troopa Beach
- Faraway Oasis
- Peach Stadium
- Great ? Block Ruins
- Dino Dino Jungle
On top of all these, it was also revealed that nostalgic courses from previous games would be included in Mario Kart World.
Characters
Dexerto / NintendoThere will be tons of new and old characters joining the game, including the following:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Peach
- Boweser
- Yoshi
- Goomba
- Spike
- Cow
- Lakitu
- Daisy
Of course, there are Baby versions of many of these characters as well as practically all the main cast of Mario.
Grand Prix & Knockout Tour explained
In both modes, up to 24 drivers can take part in any one race.
In Grand Prix, it works much like the traditional way of playing Mario Kart. You’re placed into a series of four races, fighting for the top spot in each to be crowned champion at the end. However, you’ll need to drive yourself to the next course.
Knockout Tour takes you through various rallies that take you from one side of the map to the other. To stay in the race, you have to reach a certain place when going through the checkpoints. The further you get, the higher the position you have to reach.
All races
Dexerto / NintendoAlongside Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, multiple races were announced, with many feeling familiar from the previous editions of the game.
- Grand Prix
- Knockout
- Time Trials
- Vs Race
- Teams
- Balloon Battle
- Coin Runners
New features
More drivers
During the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, it was confirmed that up to 24 different drivers will be racing against each other, which is so much more than the previous maximum.
Dexerto / NintendoThis was also confirmed during the previous direct, where a sneak peek shows multiple races in one match.
Open world
Mario Kart World is much more open-world than any of its other iterations. Players can drive virtually anywhere, on and off the track.
On top of this, players will drive to the next course during competitions, meaning you’re never out of the car for long.
Dexerto / NintendoComplementing this is free roam, which allows players to freely explore the world with their friends. You can go off-road, explore new areas, and even snap photos together at different locations.
Changing atmosphere
Depending on the time of day and weather conditions, the atmosphere will shift in Mario Kart World, changing the way you play with every match.
New Items
Dexerto / NintendoAs part of the April 17 Direct, tons of new items were announced for Mario Kart World, seeming like they will drastically change the race for many.
| Item | What it does |
|---|---|
| Coin Shell | When activated, coins will appear. Though anyone can get them. |
| Ice Flower | Freeze Rivals to send them spinning. |
| Hammer | Aim the hammer to release an arc of hammers that stay in the ground for a short time. |
| Mega Mushroom | Makes you incredibly large to squish enemies. |
| Feather | Allows you to jump and avoid attacks. |
| Kamek | Summon Kamek to wreak havoc on other players. |
Yoshi’s Dash food
Driving into Yoshi’s will let you pick up some takeaway food, which allows you to dash and unlock outfits inspired by your meal.
Once unlocked, the outfits can be selected for your chosen character.
New tricks
New tricks were also revealed for Mario Kart World, including Charge Jump, which, when you hold the drift button while driving straight, will let you charge a jump to grind along the track or avoid enemy traps.
Then there’s Rewind. Reverse your action to set yourself back a little, but be warned, other riders will keep going.
Photo Mode
Mario Kart World will also have photo mode, allowing you to capture your tricks when in Free Roam. You can adjust the positions of your character, change the border, and make them look at the camera for the best shot.
Don’t worry, you can also snap pictures of your entire team if desired.
Split Screen
Just like previous iterations, up to four players can play split-screen in Mario Kart World, with only one player needing to own the adventure.
Trailers
Along with the new console, the Nintendo Switch 2’s reveal trailer gave players a first look at a brand-new Mario Kart game.
Throughout the short trailer, we saw 12 characters racing across a wide desert. At one point the characters are darting between other NPC cars, which could be the introduction of some brand-new moving barriers along the map.
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct April 2
Then, on April 2, we got a full view of Mario Kart World, featuring details on all the new features, the game’s overall design, some of the maps, and new characters.
Mario Kart World Direct April 17
On April 17, we recieved a 15-minute Nintendo Direct based solely on Mario Kart World. The Direct included new features, details on the courses, and a view of the entire map.
So, that’s all we know about Mario Kart World. While waiting for the game to release, be sure to check out all the upcoming games for the Switch 2.
