Nintendo has revealed Mario Kart World as the first exclusive game for the new Nintendo Switch 2, which will be released globally, including in Brazil, on June 5. The game marks an unprecedented transformation in the racing franchise: for the first time, players will have the freedom to explore an open world, compete in different regions, and interact with other users in real time.
The new approach includes tracks spread across expansive maps, weather variations that impact vehicle performance, and the ability to take shortcuts off-track—with the risk of elimination if a checkpoint is missed. Races will feature up to 24 competitors simultaneously.
Mario Kart Game News for Nintendo Switch 2
The game's shared world allows for online encounters with other players, allowing you to take photos and interact freely. Power-ups now transform characters into special costumes and forms, a first for the series.
The visuals have also received significant improvements, taking advantage of the technical leap of the Switch 2. The announcement trailer features classic characters like Mario, Bowser, Shyguy, and Yoshi, as well as new faces, like a smiling cow.
However, an exclusive Direct, scheduled for April 17th, will reveal more details about the game. With this debut, Mario Kart World ushers in Nintendo's new generation, focusing on innovation, connectivity, and a stronger appeal to the Brazilian market.
New console features new features and nationwide support
The Nintendo Switch 2 hits the market for $450 and features several improvements over the previous model. The screen has been enlarged, the internal storage is now 256 GB with increased speed, and the console features two USB-C ports. The new Joy-Con attaches magnetically and has mouse functionality, expanding control possibilities.
Another highlight is the "C" button, which activates GameChat—a voice and video communication system accessible with a separately sold camera. These features expand the potential for interactivity between players and position the Switch 2 as a more complete hybrid between console and handheld device.
GameCube Debuts Emulator on Switch Online with Classics at Launch
The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 also marks the arrival of the official Nintendo GameCube emulator to the Nintendo Switch Online service. The initial package includes iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. The company also announced that more titles will be added progressively.
The other emulators already available—such as NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64—remain active and integrated with the new console. This expands access to the brand's historic catalog.
Releases for all tastes make up the Switch 2's debut
In addition to Mario Kart World, the list of games planned for the Nintendo Switch 2's first few months is extensive and diverse. Highlights include new titles, enhanced reissues, and established franchises. Below are the main names announced:
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, set in the past of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Donkey Kong: Bananza, the new adventure of Nintendo's most famous gorilla
- The Duskbloods, FromSoftware's dark exclusive, featuring vampires and a steampunk aesthetic
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, with paid expansion and new features
- Kirby AirRiders, the return of a classic competitive Kirby series
- Pokémon Legends: ZA, a new journey in the franchise in an edition optimized for the new console
- Metroid Prime Beyond, new phase of the Metroid saga
- Drag x Drive and Split Fiction, new titles focusing on action and narrative
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Hollow Knight: Silksong, reinforcing the support of third-party studios
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, with improved performance
- Street Fighter 6, Hades 2, Borderlands 4 and Sid Meier's Civilization 7, big names among multiplatform games
Other titles include Star Wars Outlaws, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, Hitman: World of Assassination Signature Edition, Project 007, Witchbrook, Wild Hearts S, Reanimal, and Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. There's also room for nostalgic fans, with Enter The Gungeon 2, Survival Kids, and Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer.
Among the Japanese exclusives, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition, and Tamagotchi Plaza, aimed at a niche audience, stand out. Additionally, the new Professor Layton and the New World for Steam is also among the initial releases.
Mario Kart leads a generation marked by diversity and nostalgia
With a brand-new title that reinvents one of Nintendo's most popular franchises, Mario Kart World ushers in a new phase for the Switch 2. The focus on an open world, free-form gameplay, and real-time connectivity represents not only a technical evolution, but also a shift in philosophy: transforming classic experiences into immersive, connected, and accessible adventures.
Thus, by bringing together major releases, support for GameCube classics, and a console with unprecedented features, Nintendo is clearly signaling its intention to compete in all market segments. And, with Brazil included in the global launch, the Brazilian public finally has the prominent place it has long awaited.
