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 5th. Thus, the game marks an unprecedented transformation in the racing franchise: for the first time, players will have the freedom to explore an open world, participate in competitions in different regions, and interact with other users in real time.
The new proposal includes tracks spread across expansive maps, weather variations that impact vehicle performance, and the possibility of cutting corners off the track—with the risk of elimination if a checkpoint is missed. Races will have up to 24 competitors simultaneously.
New features of the Mario Kart game for the Nintendo Switch 2
The game's shared world allows for online encounters with other players, where it will be possible to take photos and interact freely. Power-ups now transform characters with special outfits and forms, a feature never before seen in the series.
The visuals 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, such as a smiling cow.
However, an exclusive Direct, scheduled for April 17th, will reveal more details about the game. With this debut, Mario Kart World inaugurates the new generation of Nintendo, betting on innovation, connectivity, and a stronger appeal to the Brazilian market.
New console bets on unprecedented features and national support
The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives on the market costing US$450 and brings several improvements over the previous model. The screen has been enlarged, the internal storage is now 256 GB with greater speed, and the console has two USB-C ports. On the other hand, the new Joy-Con connects magnetically and has a mouse function, expanding the control possibilities.
Furthermore, another highlight is the "C" button, which activates GameChat — a voice and video communication system accessible with a camera sold separately. These features expand the potential for interactivity between players and position the Switch 2 as a more complete hybrid between console and portable device.
GameCube debuts emulator on Switch Online with classic games 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 has stated that more titles will be added progressively.
The other emulators already available — such as NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 — remain active and integrated into the new console. Thus, the platform expands access to the brand's historical catalog.
Releases for all tastes make up the Switch 2's debut
Besides Mario Kart World, the list of games planned for the first few months of the Nintendo Switch 2 is extensive and diverse. Highlights include brand-new titles, enhanced re-releases, and established franchises. Below are the main titles 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, a dark exclusive from FromSoftware, 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 competitive classic from the Kirby series
- Pokémon Legends: ZA, a new journey in the franchise in an optimized edition for the new console
- Metroid Prime Beyond, new phase of the Metroid saga
- Drag x Drive and Split Fiction are brand 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 are 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 those feeling nostalgic, 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 stand out, aimed at a niche audience. Additionally, the new Professor Layton and the New World of 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 open world, free gameplay, and real-time connectivity represents not only a technical evolution but also a change 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 occupies the prominent place it has long awaited.
