With the Nintendo Switch 2 finally unveiled earlier this month, that means there will be launch games that must captivate the audience immediately. One of those leading the way is Mario Kart World, and in the latest Nintendo Direct, the Japanese gaming giant has provided more details about what players can expect come June 5.
Here’s everything that was showcased at the Nintendo Mario Kart World Direct:
Mario Kart World Courses
As to be expected of the next entry in this best-selling franchise, Mario Kart World will bring together a bunch of old and new courses to test your skills. This will include the likes of Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad’s Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard.
For older courses, the game will reimagine them to fit into the open world nature of the new game, ensuring that they remain fresh even if familiar.
Characters & Techniques
Every race in Mario Kart World can accommodate up to 24 racers, and that means the roster has to be substantial. Based on the Direct, we know that Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Baby Rosalina, Rosalina, Koopa, Rocky Wrench, Conkdor, Goomba, Spike, Cow, King Boo, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Birdo, Bowser Jr., Lakitu, Toad, Wario, Pauline, Toadette, Shy Guy, Nabbit, Piranha Plant, Hammer Bro, Monty Mole, Dry Bones, Wiggler, Cataquack, Pianta, Sidestepper, and Cheep Cheep are part of the fun.
Will there be more drivers stepping up? The safe bet is yes, and each of them will have new techniques to use that can give you the edge in racing. This could be a Charge Jump to get you out of harm’s way, get onto platforms, or even wall ride. There is also a Rewind technique that can let you try a certain section in case of a missed shortcut and the like.
Races & Modes
Two main modes that will anchor Mario Kart World are the Grand Prix and the Knockout Tour. For the former, you will be competing in multiple races in order to get your hands on the likes of Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup and more. Of course, there will be no menus this time around, with you racing to each race in between to keep that open world experience seamless. Winning them all is likely going to lead to Rainbow Road, so that’s something to chase down.
As for the Knockout Tour, players can engage in a showdown, racing from one end of the world to the other. Each leg will see lagging players eliminated, so be sure to drive fast and smart in order to stay alive and be the last one standing to win. There are also Time Trials that you can challenge both online or against ghosts to determine who is the best, and VS and Battle Mode will keep you busy competing against friends and family.
Free Roaming in Mario Kart World & Multiplayer
As mentioned before, Mario Kart World will have an open world that allows free roaming. This means plenty of secrets to uncover, missions to undertake, and places to explore. The inclusion of Photo Mode lets you and your friends commemorate your roadtrips in typical Mario ways, so be sure to take your time to enjoy the world.
When it comes to multiplayer racing, there are a number of options. Up to four players can race on a single Nintendo Switch 2, local wireless play supports up to eight players with two systems, and up to 24 players can jump in via Online Play.
Mario Kart World is scheduled to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5.
