Nintendo revealed, this Thursday (17), the first details of Mario Kart World, announced as the biggest title in the franchise to date. Scheduled for June 5, the game will be launched alongside the Switch 2 console, and bets on a unique experience: an open, interconnected world, where each road leads to a new race.
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In the new format, players will be able to travel through cities, deserts, snowy mountains, and even the bottom of the sea. In addition to traditional races, the title will include modes such as Knockout Tour, Battle, Free Roam, and side missions that extend the playtime.
Open world racing with dynamic weather
For the first time in the series, Mario Kart abandons closed circuits and embraces a continuous journey. The tracks are spread across a vast, interconnected region, with real roads between them. Furthermore, the game world features day and night cycles, as well as weather changes that influence vehicle handling and performance.
In practice, this means the player starts a race, like in the traditional Mario Bros. Circuit, and must drive to the next track to begin the next stage of the competition. This feature is present in the Grand Prix and Knockout Tour modes.
New game modes and challenges in Mario Kart World
In Knockout Tour, the goal is to survive a long course with checkpoints along the way. So, if you don't make it in time, you're out. The mode includes moving obstacles like Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros. attacks, requiring quick reflexes and strategy.
In Free Roam, the focus shifts from competition to exploration. You can freely drive through different environments, find hidden coins, activate switches, and complete hundreds of optional missions. The mode also allows you to take photos and play in groups, either locally or online.
Up to 24 simultaneous players
Mario Kart World expands the number of competitors: now, up to 24 players can participate in races in Grand Prix and Knockout Tour modes. In local multiplayer, up to four users can share the same screen, while eight can connect via a local network using two Switch 2 consoles.
In the online experience, players can see friends on the map and teleport directly to them. There's also support for GameChat, which allows voice chat using the console's microphone. Until March 2026, the feature will be free, without requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Battles, new items and surprising characters
Battle Mode returns with modes like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle. New items include the Ice Flower, which makes rivals skid, and the Hammer, which blocks opponents. There's also the Coin Shell, which generates extra coins for those who collect it.
In addition to classic characters like Mario, Luigi, and Bowser, the game features unusual additions like Goomba, Spike, and even a Cow. The tracks include never-before-seen locations like Crown City and Boo Cinema, as well as reimagined versions of old circuits.
New features and custom controls
Gameplay has been expanded with moves like the Charge Jump, which allows players to leap over obstacles and grind on rails. Players can also walk on walls for short periods. Another new feature is the Rewind function, which allows players to rewind time if they make a mistake, although their opponents will remain in motion.
The game also features CameraPlay. Using a special camera (sold separately), the player's face appears next to their character in online or local matches, with detection of up to four people per system.
Mario Kart World arrives with versions for all profiles
The title includes assistance options such as intelligent steering, automatic acceleration, and motion controls. There's also support for the new Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessory, which simulates a physical steering wheel. Modes like Time Trials and VS Race complete the package, with customizable rules and team competitions.
Scheduled for release on June 5th, Mario Kart World promises to reinvent the franchise by combining exploration, customization, and competitiveness into a single experience. The world is now the track—and it's open to everyone.
