As we know, it was revealed at the Switch 2 Direct Event that Nintendo is releasing a new Mario Kart video game exclusive to the Switch 2 called Mario Kart World. It's set to be the biggest Mario Kart game in the series history and will be released on the same day as the Switch 2 console, June 5th, 2025. However, when revealed the game received some controversy because of it's price. World will be priced at £60 which is around £20 more expensive than the standard games for the original Switch. With such a major change in terms of price, fans are hoping the game will be good.
And we don't have long to wait! Nintendo recently held an event dedicated to Mario Kart World where they explained the games new features further. Let's see what was mentioned.
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What is Mario Kart World Direct?
Mario Kart World Direct was held on April 17th 2025, and was an exclusive event focussing completely on the new game with further details on what is to come. Nintendo unveiled footage of the new game to excited fans. It's an interconnected game where players can drive anywhere, across different cities, plains, deserts, and more. We also discovered that Nintendo is releasing a bundle package of the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World in one, which will sell for around £400 altogether. This bundle will include a full game download code which will be available on June 5th too.
What are the modes in Mario Kart World?
World brings a lot of new features, most of them being completely new game modes. Let's have a look at all the included modes now.
Interconnected World - Game courses are scattered across the worlds with races leading from one to another. Players can experience navigating roads in between courses.
Grand Prix - With 4 different races within each cup, racers can experience standard gameplay. A new addition includes driving from one racetrack to another.
Knockout Tour - Race from one side of the world to another in an extended, continual race. Checkpoints are dotted throughout and if you're in the bottom few at each checkpoint, you'll be out of the race!
Free Roam - New to Mario Kart World, instead of racing, take your time to enjoy the gameplay and free roam across the courses. Go off-road and find secret coins, take on secret missions and more.
Battle Mode - Like with the original games, take on the iconic battle modes including coin chase, balloon battle and more!
What are the features of Mario Kart?
World has also included a lot more new features that aren't just additional modes. Let's take a look.
When racing, try out these new techniques. With Charge Jump races can jump onto rails and grind, dodge attacks and ride along the wall. Charge Jump also allows gamers to chain to the wall to uncover hidden race routes.
As we saw in the original January promo, the game will offer up to 24 racers rather than 12. This is a great addition as it gives courses a much more competitive feel. In fact, 24 racers are the most in Mario Kart history. A new record!
With the drive-thru and roll-out, racers can make pit stops for example at Yoshi's Dash Food to get speed boosts and unlock outfits that can be accessed at the character selection screen.
How many courses does Mario Kart World have?
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown City
- Whistlestop Summit
- DK Spaceport
- Desert Hills (DS)
- Shy Guy Bazaar (Kart 7)
- Wario Stadium (Kart 64)
- Airship Fortress (DS)
- Starview Peak
- Sky-High Sundae (8 Deluxe)
- Wario Shipyard (Kart 7)
- Koopa Troopa Beach (Super Mario Kart)
- Faraway Oasis
- Peach Stadium
- Peach Beach (Double Dash)
- Salty Salty Speedway
- Dino Dino Jungle (Double Dash)
- Cheep Cheep Falls
- Dandelion Depths
- Boo Cinema
- Moo Moo Meadows (WII)
- Choco Mountain (Kart 64)
- Mario Circuit (Super Mario Kart)
- Acorn Heights
- DK Pass (DS)
- Toad's Factory (WII)
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Conclusion:
At the moment, Mario Kart World looks very promising and has some memorable and interesting additions coming to the game. We can't wait to experience new features like free roam and the 24 racers within a game whilst we're also keen to see what new courses we'll experience.
