Nintendo just dropped a ton of details about Mario Kart World during the April 2025 Nintendo Direct event, and it’s clear that the beloved kart racing series is leveling up in a big way. As a flagship launch title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World is shaping up to be a feature-packed, chaos-fueled celebration of everything fans love, with plenty of new twists.
Classic Mayhem with a Fresh Twist
Mario Kart has always been about throwing nonsense at your friends and laughing while you do it. Mario Kart World keeps that spirit alive with a mix of old favorites and new tools of destruction.
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Bullet Bill and Lightning are back and work just as you remember, though Lightning now triggers dynamic weather, making it rain in the middle of a race.
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The classic Feather lets players jump over hazards, but now it’s also useful for reaching shortcuts and hidden rails.
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Coin Shell is a new golden shell that scatters coins on the track-great for risk-takers, but also a tempting lure for opponents.
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Kamek,, the mischievous Koopa wizard, can now be summoned to magically transform rivals.
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The Ice Flower has been redesigned to spin out multiple opponents.
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The Hammer now temporarily embeds itself in the ground, adding a layer of environmental danger.
Perhaps the most curious are the Dash Foods-snack-themed collectibles like burgers and sushi. These aren’t just power-ups; they unlock special outfits and can be found throughout the game’s sprawling map. Yes, the Moo Moo Meadows cow can eat burgers. Enjoy.
Enhanced Tricks and Moves: Jump, Wall-Ride, Rewind
Tricks have been a Mario Kart staple since the Wii era, and World takes them to new heights.
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Charge Jump lets racers leap off the track to avoid hazards, reach secret rails, or even wall-ride.
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Aerial tricks add altitude and can open up new routes mid-race.
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A new Rewind feature gives players a second chance to stick tricky landings or retry missed secrets. But be warned-the rest of the race doesn’t pause while you rewind.
Mastering these movement mechanics adds a whole new level of strategy and chaos to the races.
Characters: A Packed Roster for 24-Player Races
To accommodate up to 24 racers per match, Mario Kart World launches with an expanded roster, including:
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Mainstays like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Donkey Kong
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Babies (yes, they’re back): Baby Mario, Baby Peach, Baby Rosalina
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Villains: King Boo, Waluigi, Monty Mole, Conkdor
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NPCs turned racers: Goomba, Rocky Wrench, Cataquack, Pianta, Cheep Cheep
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Even the Moo Moo Meadows Cow makes a playable appearance
With such variety, you’re unlikely to double up on characters, even in a full 24-player match.
More Ways to Compete
Grand Prix
Classic cup-based races return, but instead of navigating through menus, you’ll drive from one race to another on the open-world map. Beat each cup and you might unlock a mysterious “colorful race”-almost certainly Rainbow Road-complete with Bullet Bill cars and Hammer Bros. hazards.
Knockout Tour
A new, high-stakes mode where falling behind means elimination. Races stretch across long segments of the map, and you’ll need to reach checkpoints or be knocked out. The last kart standing wins.
Free Roam
Perhaps the game’s biggest evolution-Free Roam lets players explore the world between races, discovering collectibles, hidden paths, and even P Switches that trigger skill challenges. There’s no pressure to win-just drive, discover, and take photos.
You can even grab Dash Foods from Yoshi’s restaurant to unlock themed outfits. Pizza, sushi, kebabs-each comes with a speed boost and a stylish flair.
Playing with Friends: Local, Online, and Everything In Between
Nintendo is focusing on multiplayer with a variety of ways to play:
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Four-player split screen on a single console
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Local wireless for eight players with two Switch 2 consoles
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Online matches for 24 players with full matchmaking
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Free Roam with friends, including fast travel to each other on the map
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Photo Mode to capture memories while exploring
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GameChat for live voice and video with compatible cameras (supports up to four faces on a single device!)
Customization is deeper than ever with VS Mode teams, Battle Modes like Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, and Time Trials that let you download ghost data from players around the world.
Accessibility Features and Support
Nintendo continues its commitment to inclusive design with options such as:
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Smart Steering
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Auto-Accelerate
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Auto-Use Item
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Tilt Controls
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Vertical and horizontal camera adjustment
These tools should make Mario Kart World welcoming for newcomers, while still offering depth for veterans.
Launch Details: Mark Your Calendars
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Release Date: June 5, 2025
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Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
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Price: $80 (controversial, and yes, the internet is talking loudly about it)
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Preorders: Delayed in the US and Canada – new date TBA
Mario Kart World looks like a bold step forward for the series, a hybrid between classic kart racing and open-world exploration. With a massive roster, revamped mechanics, and online play that finally feels next-gen, this could be the most ambitious Mario Kart yet.
If Nintendo pulls it off, June 5 could mark the start of a new golden era for the wildest sport in the Mushroom Kingdom.
