Nintendo has officially revealed Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated flagship title launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. Marking the first entirely new Mario Kart entry in over a decade, Nintendo aims to recapture the magic that made Mario Kart 8 Deluxe one of the top five best-selling games of all time with nearly 70 million copies sold.
Modes and Gameplay
Mario Kart World introduces several engaging modes:
Grand Prix: Players race through interconnected courses within a seamless world. Each Cup features four races, with seven Cups confirmed: Mushroom, Flower, Star, Shell, Banana, Leaf, and Lightning. Winning gold in all Cups likely unlocks the iconic Rainbow Road or potentially an entire Special Cup.
Knockout Tour: This elimination-style race features intense, checkpoint-based competition. With 24 players battling simultaneously, staying ahead is a relentless challenge that promises chaos and adrenaline.
Time Trials: Players compete to post the fastest times without interference, challenging global Ghost data. Strategic use of three provided Mushrooms will be key to mastering each track.
VS Race: Customize your races against real players or AI drivers with extensive options including race class, team splits, item availability, and driver difficulty across selected courses.
Battle Mode: Returning in its classic form, Battle Mode includes Balloon Battle, where players lose balloons upon taking damage, and Coin Runners, a competition to collect and hold the most coins.
Free Roam: Explore the expansive Mario Kart World freely, engaging with side missions and collectibles. Activate P-Switches for skill-based objectives like coin collection or timed challenges. Photo Mode enhances the exploration experience, available solo or with friends.
Multiplayer Features
Mario Kart World supports robust multiplayer:
- Local Splitscreen: Up to 4 players.
- Local Wireless: Up to 8 players (two per system).
- Online Multiplayer: Up to 24 players simultaneously (two per system). Players enjoy cooperative Free Roam while matchmaking.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera Support: Adds real-time face overlays via GameChat, enhancing social interactions.
Confirmed Courses
Nintendo revealed a variety of new and reimagined classic tracks:
- Airship Fortress
- Boo Cinema
- Cheep Cheep Falls
- Choco Mountain
- Crown City
- Desert Hills
- Dino Dino Jungle
- DK Pass
- DK Spaceport
- Faraway Oasis
- Great ? Block Ruins
- Koopa Troopa Beach
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Moo Moo Meadows
- Peach Beach
- Peach Stadium
- Rainbow Road
- Salty Salty Speedway
- Shy Guy Bazaar
- Sky-High Sundae
- Starview Park
- Toad’s Factory
- Wario Shipyard
- Wario Stadium
- Whistlestop Summit
Each course features dynamic day-night cycles that change the racing experience significantly.
Pricing Controversy
Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag has sparked controversy among fans. Nintendo attributes this price to the high value offered by the game’s expansive content. Despite the debate, Nintendo remains confident in Mario Kart World’s potential as a standout launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mario Kart World launches June 5 alongside Nintendo Switch 2. Stay tuned for our full review and more insights leading up to release.
