Nintendo has officially lifted the curtain on Mario Kart World, and it’s no exaggeration to say the franchise has just entered a whole new era. The Mario Kart World Direct, aired on April 17, didn’t just tease a sequel — it showcased a reinvention. Launching June 5, 2025, alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, this entry ditches the linear cup format for a sprawling, open-world karting playground, injecting RPG-like freedom and bold new mechanics into the series’ tried-and-true formula.
Here’s a full breakdown of what was revealed, plus new insights on what it means for the future of the series.
A Fully Interconnected Mario Kart Universe
Say goodbye to menu-based track selection. In Mario Kart World, every track exists within a massive open world. You can drive seamlessly from one region to another without loading screens, creating a sense of place that’s never existed in the franchise. Courses are linked by highways, off-road trails, and environmental transitions — one moment you’re drifting around a neon-lit city corner, the next you’re sliding down icy mountain passes or blazing through desert canyons.
The world includes:
- Dynamic weather that affects traction and visibility
- Day/night cycles with course variations and different challenges
- NPC characters that give side missions in Free Roam mode
Introducing Free Roam Mode
For the first time, exploration becomes a core part of the Mario Kart experience. You can exit races entirely and enter Free Roam mode — a hub-like experience where players collect items, complete side quests, and discover secrets.
Free Roam Highlights:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| P-Switch Challenges | Timed skill trials or platforming-based puzzles scattered across the map |
| Peach Medallions | Collectibles used to unlock cosmetics, vehicle parts, or character skins |
| Yoshi’s Restaurant | A pit stop where you grab “Dash Food” for stat boosts and unlock themed outfits |
| Photo Mode | Includes camera controls, filters, stickers, and pose settings |
New Gameplay Mechanics
Mario Kart World isn’t just adding content — it’s rethinking how players interact with the terrain and each other. Several new mechanics were revealed:
- Charge Jump: Hold and release to leap over hazards, reach rails, and trigger aerial tricks
- Wall Ride: Jump toward angled surfaces to ride along them — even chaining multiple wall rides for secret paths
- Rewind: A short time-reversal tool that lets you undo a bad turn or missed shortcut (opponents continue moving)
These additions open up advanced routing, mid-race improvisation, and strategic flexibility in ways previous games never allowed.
New Game Modes & Return of the Classics
The game offers something for every type of player, with both reimagined classics and bold new modes.
Core Modes:
- Grand Prix: Now integrated into the open world — complete cups by traveling to regions instead of menus
- Time Trials: With global ghost uploads, full replays, and custom splits
- VS Race: Fully customizable rule sets for local or online play
New Competitive Additions:
- Knockout Tour: A race/elimination hybrid where racers must reach timed checkpoints or face elimination
- Battle Mode: Featuring both Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, now with full team play, elimination features, and destructible arenas
Massive Character Roster
This is the largest Mario Kart roster to date — over 60 playable characters at launch, with more hinted as unlockables. Beyond franchise staples like Mario, Peach, and Bowser, there are several surprises:
| Confirmed New Characters | Notes |
|---|---|
| Goomba | Tiny hitbox, special roll attack |
| Spike | From Super Mario Bros. 3, heavy class |
| Cataquack | Lightweight, high bounce stats |
| Penguin | Ice terrain advantage |
| Cow | Yes, the Moo Moo Meadows cow is playable |
Custom outfits, unlockable via Free Roam challenges and Dash Food, give additional flair and personalization.
All-New Courses + Fan Favorites Return
Nintendo isn’t just creating new tracks — they’re building entire regions that hold multiple routes, secrets, and event triggers. Here’s a look at what’s been revealed:
New Courses:
- Mario Bros. Circuit – Retro 8-bit visuals, pixelated ramps, pipes with shortcuts
- Crown City – High-speed metro track with bustling traffic and skyscraper wall rides
- Salty Salty Speedway – Aquatic route with tide cycles and submerged caves
- Starview Peak – Foggy mountain range with vertical drops and rickety bridges
- Boo Cinema – Haunted multiplex where the screens come to life mid-race
Returning Courses (Remastered):
- Peach Beach (Double Dash!!)
- Wario Shipyard (MK7)
- Toad’s Factory (Wii)
- DK Pass (DS)
- Rainbow Road – Heavily teased as the endgame reward; includes cars firing Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. hazards
New & Enhanced Items
Item usage remains chaotic and competitive — but Mario Kart World adds new strategic layers.
New Items:
| Item | Effect |
|---|---|
| Coin Shell | Hits enemies and drops coins they can collect for boosts |
| Ice Flower | Freezes rivals temporarily, making them spin out or stop completely |
| Mighty Hammer | Short-range melee weapon that smashes rivals and blocks incoming attacks |
Classic items like Red Shells, Banana Peels, Bullet Bills, and Super Horns return with improved visuals and animations.
Enhanced Multiplayer Options
Multiplayer is at the heart of Mario Kart World, and Nintendo is aiming for their most connected experience yet.
| Multiplayer Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Races | Up to 24 players with matchmaking, rankings, and voice/GameChat support |
| Split-Screen | Up to 4 players on a single console |
| Wireless Play | Up to 8 systems with 2 players per Switch 2 unit |
| Free Roam Online | See friends on the world map, warp to them instantly, explore together |
The social aspect has been given a major upgrade, with webcam integration, emote wheels, and cooperative mission options hinted at for Free Roam.
Pricing, Availability & Launch Plans
- Mario Kart World Price: $79.99 USD
- Nintendo Switch 2 Console: $449.99
- Bundle Price: $499.99 (includes game + console)
Due to ongoing tariff issues, pre-orders in the U.S. and Canada are delayed, but Nintendo has confirmed the global release date remains June 5, 2025.
With Mario Kart World, Nintendo is clearly aiming to create the definitive kart racing experience — one that bridges nostalgia and bold new territory. Whether you’re in it for the speed, the chaos, or just to cruise the open roads with friends, this entry looks ready to redefine what a Mario Kart game can be.
Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart Bundle Overview
The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart Bundle offers gamers exceptional value by combining the latest Switch hardware with one of Nintendo’s most popular racing games. This special package provides everything needed to start playing right away with enhanced visual features and online capabilities.
Key Features of the OLED Model
The centerpiece of this bundle is the Nintendo Switch OLED model, featuring a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen that delivers more vivid colors and sharper contrast than the standard Switch. This improved display makes games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe look stunning in handheld mode.
The OLED model also includes enhanced audio for better sound when playing in handheld or tabletop mode. Its redesigned kickstand spans the entire back of the system, providing more stability while playing multiplayer games on the go.
The console maintains versatility as both a home console and portable system. Players can enjoy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on their TV or take the racing action anywhere. The internal storage has been doubled to 64GB, giving users more space for downloaded games and content.
What’s Included in the Bundle
The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart Bundle comes with white Joy-Con controllers featuring HD Rumble and IR Motion Camera technology. These controllers enable precise motion controls and realistic vibration feedback during races.
A full download of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is included, providing immediate access to 48 Mushroom Kingdom courses and a large roster of characters. The game supports local multiplayer for up to 4 players, perfect for family game nights.
The package also contains:
- Nintendo Switch dock with wired LAN port
- HDMI cable for TV connection
- AC adapter
- 12-month Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership (valued at approximately $20)
This membership allows online multiplayer racing in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and access to classic NES and SNES games.
Benefits of the Nintendo Switch OLED for Gaming
The larger, more vibrant OLED screen significantly enhances the racing experience in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Colors pop more vividly, making Rainbow Road’s neon lights and Bowser’s Castle’s fiery hazards more immersive than ever.
The improved kickstand makes tabletop gaming more practical, especially for multiplayer sessions. Friends can gather around the screen for split-screen racing competitions without worrying about the console tipping over.
With the included Nintendo Switch Online membership, players can race against competitors worldwide. This online capability extends the game’s replay value tremendously, as no two online races are ever the same.
The bundle represents excellent value for new Switch owners. Purchasing these items separately would cost approximately $80-105 more, making this package an economical entry point into the Nintendo ecosystem.
Gaming Experience with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe delivers an exciting racing experience that takes full advantage of the Switch OLED’s capabilities. The vibrant colors and smooth gameplay shine on the 7-inch OLED screen, making every race more immersive.
Single and Multiplayer Gaming
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe excels at bringing people together. The game supports up to 4 players in local multiplayer mode, making it perfect for family game nights or parties. Players can race against each other using a single Switch console in tabletop mode or connect multiple systems for local wireless play.
The split-screen functionality works smoothly even in handheld mode on the OLED screen. Each player can choose their favorite character from the extensive roster, including classics like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach.
For solo players, the Grand Prix mode offers challenging AI opponents across multiple difficulty levels. This makes the game accessible to newcomers while providing a genuine challenge for veteran racers.
The control options are versatile too. Players can use Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller, or even motion controls to steer their karts through the courses.
Courses and Modes in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The game includes an impressive 48 Mushroom Kingdom courses ranging from reimagined classics to brand-new tracks. These courses feature stunning visuals that look particularly striking on the OLED display.
Players can compete in several game modes:
- Grand Prix: Race through cups of 4 tracks in different engine classes
- VS Race: Customize rules for personalized racing experiences
- Battle Mode: Compete in arena-style games like Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast
- Time Trials: Race against your best times or ghost data from other players
Each track features unique hazards and shortcuts that players can master over time. The antigravity sections allow racers to drive on walls and ceilings, adding a thrilling dimension to races.
Weather effects and day/night variations keep familiar courses feeling fresh with each playthrough.
Additional Titles and Online Play
The bundle includes a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership, opening up online multiplayer races against players worldwide. This service creates endless replay value as the competition is always different.
Online play features matchmaking based on player skill levels, ensuring fair and balanced races. Players can join friends in private tournaments or compete in global competitions.
Beyond Mario Kart, the Nintendo Switch Online membership provides access to a growing library of classic NES and SNES games. Members can also download exclusive offers from the Nintendo eShop.
The Switch OLED is compatible with the entire Nintendo Switch library, including popular titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, and Splatoon. This makes the Mario Kart bundle an excellent starting point for a larger gaming collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle offers excellent value for gamers looking to get started with Nintendo’s popular console. Here are answers to common questions about this gaming package.
What is included in the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle?
The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle includes the Nintendo Switch OLED Model console with white Joy-Con controllers. Buyers also receive a digital download code for the full Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game.
Additionally, the bundle comes with a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership. This membership allows online play with friends and access to classic NES and SNES games.
Where can I purchase the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle?
The Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle is available at major electronics retailers and gaming stores. This includes Best Buy, Target, and the official Nintendo Store.
Many retailers offer the bundle both in-store and through their websites. Availability may vary by location and season, especially during holiday periods when demand increases.
What are the steps to redeem and download Mario Kart with the Switch OLED bundle?
To redeem Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, users must first connect their Nintendo Switch to the internet. They should then create or sign in to a Nintendo Account.
Next, they need to visit the Nintendo eShop on the console and select “Redeem Code.” After entering the code provided in the bundle package, the game will begin downloading automatically.
Some users have reported issues where only the Nintendo Switch Online membership is redeemed but not the game. If this happens, contacting Nintendo Support is recommended.
Are there any special deals or discounts available for the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle?
Retailers occasionally offer special promotions on the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle. These might include gift cards with purchase or limited-time price reductions.
During major shopping events like Black Friday or holiday sales, the bundle may be offered at a discounted price. Some stores also provide trade-in programs that can reduce the cost when upgrading from an older console.
Can I buy the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle online from retailers like Walmart, Costco, or GameStop?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle is available online from major retailers including Walmart, GameStop, and sometimes Costco. Each retailer may have different shipping options and availability.
These online stores often provide customer reviews and detailed product information. Some also offer store pickup options for those who prefer not to wait for shipping.
How does the value of the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart bundle compare to purchasing the items separately?
The bundle represents a better value than buying each item individually. Purchasing the Nintendo Switch OLED, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership separately would cost more.
The bundle typically saves buyers around $50-70 compared to individual purchases. This makes it an attractive option for new Switch owners who plan to play Mario Kart and use online features anyway.
