Mario Kart World is officially set to hit the track on June 5, 2025, and it’s a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive that’s already lighting up the internet with excitement. But make no mistake—this isn’t just a slightly upgraded sequel. Nintendo is aiming to redefine what a Mario Kart game can be with bigger races, connected worlds, and game-changing new modes. If you thought the franchise was starting to play it safe, think again. Mario Kart World looks like the boldest evolution of the series since Double Dash!! shook things up 20 years ago.
Built to take full advantage of the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, Mario Kart World promises larger maps, faster loading times, more dynamic tracks, and enhanced multiplayer experiences that could make this one of the most significant Mario Kart entries yet.
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
New Features In Mario Kart World
Expanded Character Roster
Nintendo is swinging for the fences with character selection this time. Besides staples like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, Mario Kart World introduces unexpected racers like:
- Goomba (yes, even without arms!)
- Cow (inspired by Moo Moo Meadows)
Rumors also hint at even deeper roster cuts, with classic RPG characters and guest appearances from other Nintendo franchises still under wraps.
Massive 24-Player Races
For the first time ever, races will feature up to 24 players on track simultaneously.
- This ups the chaos, strategy, and tension—no more early breakaways leading to easy wins.
- Expect more items flying, tighter packs, and surprise comebacks becoming the norm.
This also suggests Nintendo is serious about boosting the online competitive scene around Mario Kart World.
New Game Modes
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Survival Mode | Players must hit rank milestones at checkpoints or face elimination. It’s like a Battle Royale inside a race. |
| Knockout Tour | Traditional grand prix races are reimagined into a knockout tournament—last place gets the boot after every round. |
These modes are built to keep players constantly on edge and will likely become staples in online tournaments and casual lobbies alike.
Dynamic, Transforming Tracks
Forget simple “desert level” or “snow level” designs. Tracks in Mario Kart World will now transform as you race:
- Start in a city, drive into the clouds, and descend into an erupting volcano— all in one course.
- Environmental transitions are seamless, thanks to Switch 2’s faster load streaming.
It’s a step forward for immersion and spectacle, borrowing inspiration from games like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed while keeping Mario Kart’s tight racing physics intact.
New Power-Up Items
Three new confirmed power-ups could seriously shake up races:
- Golden Shell – Releases a flood of coins for anyone it hits (great for quick point boosts).
- Ice Flower – Freezes opponents in place, temporarily locking their movement.
- Hammer – Smashes obstacles and sends rivals flying.
Longtime favorites like the Blue Shell, Bullet Bill, and Lightning Bolt also return, ensuring plenty of unpredictable mayhem.
Mario Kart Competitive Scene – Where Things Stand
- Team Purple from Japan dominated the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe World Championship 2024, showcasing high-level precision and item management.
- In the U.S., the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) clinched the 2024 Fall Mario Kart Esports Championship, showing the continued grassroots strength of the series.
Mario Kart World is clearly being designed with serious competitive potential in mind, particularly with its 24-player races and new elimination formats.
What’s Next: Upcoming Tournaments
While Mario Kart World tournaments won’t start until after launch, the competitive momentum is already building. Communities like Mario Kart Central and Gaming Reinvented are preparing new leagues and events, and Nintendo is expected to organize major global tournaments by late 2025.
In the meantime, players can keep sharpening their skills in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe events, as many skills—like drifting mastery and item timing—will carry over into the new era.
Mario Kart World isn’t just another lap around the Mushroom Kingdom—this looks like a true reinvention of Nintendo’s beloved racing series. June 5th can’t come fast enough.Mario Kart World Racing Onto Switch 2 June 5th – All The Latest Details
Mario Kart World is officially set to hit the track on June 5, 2025, and it’s a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive that’s already lighting up the internet with excitement. But make no mistake—this isn’t just a slightly upgraded sequel. Nintendo is aiming to redefine what a Mario Kart game can be with bigger races, connected worlds, and game-changing new modes. If you thought the franchise was starting to play it safe, think again. Mario Kart World looks like the boldest evolution of the series since Double Dash!! shook things up 20 years ago.
Built to take full advantage of the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, Mario Kart World promises larger maps, faster loading times, more dynamic tracks, and enhanced multiplayer experiences that could make this one of the most significant Mario Kart entries yet.
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
New Features In Mario Kart World
Expanded Character Roster
Nintendo is swinging for the fences with character selection this time. Besides staples like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, Mario Kart World introduces unexpected racers like:
- Goomba (yes, even without arms!)
- Cow (inspired by Moo Moo Meadows)
Rumors also hint at even deeper roster cuts, with classic RPG characters and guest appearances from other Nintendo franchises still under wraps.
Massive 24-Player Races
For the first time ever, races will feature up to 24 players on track simultaneously.
- This ups the chaos, strategy, and tension—no more early breakaways leading to easy wins.
- Expect more items flying, tighter packs, and surprise comebacks becoming the norm.
This also suggests Nintendo is serious about boosting the online competitive scene around Mario Kart World.
New Game Modes
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Survival Mode | Players must hit rank milestones at checkpoints or face elimination. It’s like a Battle Royale inside a race. |
| Knockout Tour | Traditional grand prix races are reimagined into a knockout tournament—last place gets the boot after every round. |
These modes are built to keep players constantly on edge and will likely become staples in online tournaments and casual lobbies alike.
Dynamic, Transforming Tracks
Forget simple “desert level” or “snow level” designs. Tracks in Mario Kart World will now transform as you race:
- Start in a city, drive into the clouds, and descend into an erupting volcano— all in one course.
- Environmental transitions are seamless, thanks to Switch 2’s faster load streaming.
It’s a step forward for immersion and spectacle, borrowing inspiration from games like Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed while keeping Mario Kart’s tight racing physics intact.
New Power-Up Items
Three new confirmed power-ups could seriously shake up races:
- Golden Shell – Releases a flood of coins for anyone it hits (great for quick point boosts).
- Ice Flower – Freezes opponents in place, temporarily locking their movement.
- Hammer – Smashes obstacles and sends rivals flying.
Longtime favorites like the Blue Shell, Bullet Bill, and Lightning Bolt also return, ensuring plenty of unpredictable mayhem.
Mario Kart Competitive Scene – Where Things Stand
- Team Purple from Japan dominated the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe World Championship 2024, showcasing high-level precision and item management.
- In the U.S., the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) clinched the 2024 Fall Mario Kart Esports Championship, showing the continued grassroots strength of the series.
Mario Kart World is clearly being designed with serious competitive potential in mind, particularly with its 24-player races and new elimination formats.
What’s Next: Upcoming Tournaments
While Mario Kart World tournaments won’t start until after launch, the competitive momentum is already building. Communities like Mario Kart Central and Gaming Reinvented are preparing new leagues and events, and Nintendo is expected to organize major global tournaments by late 2025.
In the meantime, players can keep sharpening their skills in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe events, as many skills—like drifting mastery and item timing—will carry over into the new era.
Mario Kart World isn’t just another lap around the Mushroom Kingdom—this looks like a true reinvention of Nintendo’s beloved racing series. June 5th can’t come fast enough.
Key Takeaways
- Mario Kart World launches June 5, 2025, only on Nintendo Switch 2
- Fresh gameplay and interconnected maps give it a new edge
- Community hype is off the charts
Official Announcement Of Mariokart World Coming June 5 2025
It’s official: Nintendo has locked in June 5, 2025, for the big Mario Kart World launch. It’s coming as an exclusive title for the new Nintendo Switch 2, giving the series its biggest shake-up in years.
Reveal At Nintendo Direct
Nintendo unveiled Mario Kart World during a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025. The show gave us a first look—gameplay footage, new graphics, and just enough teasers to get everyone speculating.
So, yeah, those rumors about a new Mario Kart for the next-gen console? All true. We got glimpses of wild new tracks, slick character models, and some pretty immersive scenery.
If you missed the live stream, the recap’s up on Nintendo’s site and YouTube. You can catch all the highlights and more in this Nintendo Direct recap.
Key Features Of mariokart world
Mario Kart World is mixing old favorites with a bunch of new stuff that actually feels fresh. The “Knockout Tour” mode is new—think elimination rounds where you really don’t want to be last. The graphics? Way sharper. Plus, more characters, karts, and customization than ever before.
There’s local and online multiplayer (up to 16 racers at once, which should be chaos in the best way). Smart drive assists are back for newcomers, while the pros get tighter controls for more intense races.
Classic tracks are getting a facelift, and there’s a bunch of new ones built just for Switch 2. It’s shaping up to be the most jam-packed Mario Kart yet. If you want the nitty-gritty, check out this detailed game preview.
Worldwide Release Plans
Mario Kart World is rolling out everywhere on June 5, 2025, together with the Switch 2. Both digital and physical copies will hit shelves in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia at the same time.
Some regions are getting special launch bundles—think themed accessories and collectibles. Nintendo’s also lining up in-store events and pop-up tournaments for launch weekend.
Pre-orders opened right after the announcement, and stores are already calling it one of the top Switch 2 games to watch. If you want the latest on global release plans, the Mario Kart World site has all the updates.
Gameplay Innovations And Technology
Mario Kart World is packing some real changes this time. New tech, new race modes, classic tracks with a twist, built-in voice chat, and some tracks set in real-world cities. It’s a lot.
New Race Modes Including Knockout Tour
The Knockout Tour mode? That’s new. Last place gets booted at the end of every lap, so you’re always on edge. It’s quick, it’s stressful, and it’s honestly pretty fun to watch people scramble not to get cut.
You can play Knockout Tour locally or online. Online matches can have up to 20 players on tracks built for big crowds. Survive long enough and you’ll get special power-ups. It’s a cool mix of strategy and pure reflex.
Honestly, this mode feels like the biggest shake-up in years. It’s got that “just one more race” energy—good luck putting it down.
Checkpoints And Track Enhancements
Now, races have visible checkpoints, which is such a relief. You’ll always know how far you’ve got left, and if you wipe out, you’re dropped back at the last checkpoint—no more endless frustration.
Classic tracks are getting new ramps, shortcuts, and secret areas. The checkpoint system means tracks can get wilder, since you’re never stuck way behind. Here’s a quick table of what’s new:
| Track Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Checkpoints | Quick respawns, progress map |
| New shortcuts | Extra ways to the finish |
| Secret areas | Hidden items, faster routes |
These tweaks really keep the races moving and make each lap feel different, especially in longer showdowns.
Gamechat Integration
For the first time ever, Mario Kart World has gamechat—yep, you can actually talk to friends (or frenemies) during online matches. The Switch 2’s built-in mic means you don’t need a headset, which is nice.
You can set up private rooms and pick who’s allowed to chat. For public lobbies, there are options to mute or filter out randoms. If you’re not into voice chat, you can stick with quick text messages.
Having real-time chat is honestly overdue. It makes team modes way more fun, and you can actually coordinate—or just trash talk—while you race.
Paris And Other Real-World Locations
One of the coolest new things: you can race through real cities, starting with Paris. These real-world tracks have landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, riverbanks, and those skinny city streets, all mashed up with Mario Kart chaos.
Every city course has its own vibe, obstacles, and hazards—like dodging taxis, weaving through construction, or zipping past cafés. You might even drift around the Arc de Triomphe or swerve along the Seine.
Nintendo’s put real effort into making these places feel authentic, but still totally Mario. It’s a fresh way to mix up the usual circuits and adds a bit of “wait, did I just race past that?” to every lap.
Nintendo Switch 2 Features For Mariokart World
The Switch 2 is stepping things up for Mariokart World, with major upgrades that you’ll notice right away—better visuals, smoother racing, and controls that just feel right.
Joy-Con Controllers And Built-In Microphone
The Joy-Cons are back, but they’ve had a tune-up. The new design feels sturdier, and steering is more precise—no more blaming the controller for missing that drift. Motion controls are sharper, too, which should please the purists.
But the big new thing is the built-in mic. You can chat with friends mid-race or team up for multiplayer mayhem—no extra gear needed. The mic works well even in handheld mode, so you’re not tied to your TV.
Better controllers plus a solid mic just make the whole experience more lively. You can actually cheer (or groan) together in real time, which is half the fun.
4K Resolution And Performance
Switch 2 supports 4K when docked, and Mariokart World really takes advantage. The tracks are more colorful, characters pop, and everything just looks… crisp. Lighting and effects are a big step up—sometimes it’s almost like watching a cartoon movie.
Performance-wise, it’s smooth sailing. Higher frame rates mean less lag, so your kart does what you want, when you want. Even big multiplayer races stay steady, which is a huge relief if you remember the slowdowns from older games.
If you’re playing on a big screen, you’ll really see the difference. Nintendo’s clearly aiming for a wow factor here, and honestly, it works.
Compatibility With Previous Accessories
Good news: Switch 2 works with a bunch of existing Switch accessories. Got extra Joy-Cons from your old system? They’ll connect just fine, so you don’t have to rebuy everything for group races.
Stuff like the Mario Kart steering wheel still works, too, for that arcade feel. Even old charging docks and stands are compatible, so you can keep your setup tidy.
It’s a smart move—makes upgrading less painful and keeps the whole family (or friend group) in the game. For more on what’s compatible, check Nintendo’s Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2 page.
Community, Collectibles, And Crossovers
Mariokart World isn’t just about racing—it’s adding new ways to connect, collect, and show off. These extras give you more reasons to keep coming back, even after you’ve mastered the tracks.
Cookie Collectibles And Cookies System
There’s a new cookies system where you earn, trade, and show off virtual cookie collectibles as you play. Each race has challenges to unlock cookies, some themed after classic Nintendo characters. The rare ones? Perfect for bragging rights and unlocking cool cosmetics.
You’ll find a cookies table in the menu, tracking what you’ve got and how rare each one is:
| Cookie Name | Rarity | Unlock Method |
|---|---|---|
| Red Shell Cookie | Common | Win 10 online races |
| Daisy Cookie | Rare | Complete flower circuit |
| Yoshi Egg Cookie | Epic | Find in hidden shortcuts |
Collecting cookies is surprisingly addictive. You can show off your favorites on your profile or even stick them on your kart for a bit of extra flair.
Yahoo Integration And Social Features
Social play goes next-level with full Yahoo integration. Link your Yahoo account to find friends, set up events, or share your best moments right from the game. Lobbies have both voice and text chat, so you can actually talk between races.
Teams and clubs can join organized leagues, and tournaments are announced through the Yahoo-connected feed. Leaderboards update in real time, so you’ll always know where you stand—locally and globally.
Privacy settings are there, too, so you can control invites, chat, and who sees your profile. It’s a nice balance of being social without losing control over your own experience.
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment Collaboration
There’s a crossover event with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment—yep, Zelda fans, you’re getting some love. This collab brings themed tracks inspired by Hyrule, plus exclusive karts and costumes.
Unlockables include:
- Link’s Sky Chariot Kart
- Imprisoned Tires
- Princess Zelda Racing Suit
Timed challenges during the event give you limited-edition cookies and Hyrule-themed kart parts. Even the music and visuals get a Zelda twist. It’s a fun way to mix up the usual Mario Kart vibe and pick up some unique rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
With Mario Kart World almost here, everyone’s got questions—about features, pricing, and what makes this entry stand out.
What is the release date for Mario Kart World?
Mario Kart World arrives worldwide on June 5, 2025, right alongside the new Nintendo console.
Which gaming consoles will support Mario Kart World?
It’s a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. No word on it coming to older consoles or other platforms, at least for now.
How many characters are included in Mario Kart World’s roster?
Nintendo hasn’t given us a final number yet. Expect more details as we get closer to launch day.
What is the expected price point for Mario Kart World?
The base game is set at $79.99 in the US. Prices elsewhere might shift a bit with taxes and exchange rates. There could be bundles or deluxe editions, but details aren’t final yet.
Will there be a Nintendo Switch 2, and is it compatible with Mario Kart World?
Yep, Nintendo Switch 2 is launching the same day as Mario Kart World—June 5, 2025. The game is built for Switch 2 and will be ready at launch. More info’s over at Polygon’s Switch 2 and Mario Kart World update.
Where can I find detailed information about Mario Kart World’s features?
Nintendo’s rolling out news and updates regularly. For the latest, check the official Mario Kart World news page.
