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 5th, the game will be released alongside the Switch 2 console, and bets on an unprecedented experience: an open, interconnected world, where each road leads to a new race.
- Wuthering Waves will be released on Steam sometime in April
- League of Legends reveals Spirit Blossom skins and fast-paced combat mode
In the new format, players will be able to explore 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 playtime.
Open-world racing with dynamic weather
For the first time in the series, Mario Kart abandons closed circuits and opts for 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 the handling and performance of the vehicles.
In practice, this means that the player starts a race, like in the traditional Mario Bros. Circuit, and needs to drive to the next track to begin the new 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 objective is to survive an extensive course with checkpoints along the way. Those who don't arrive in time are out. The mode includes moving obstacles like Bullet Bills and attacks from the Hammer Bros., demanding quick reflexes and strategy.
In Free Roam mode, 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, 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 local network with two Switch 2 consoles.
In the online experience, players can see their friends on the map and teleport directly to them. There is also support for GameChat, which allows voice conversations using the console's microphone. Until March 2026, the feature will be free, without requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Battles, unique items, and surprising characters
Battle Mode is back with modes like Coin Runners and Balloon Battle. New items include the Ice Flower, which makes rivals slide, 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 options such as Goomba, Spike, and even a Cow. The tracks include brand-new locations like Crown City and Boo Cinema, as well as reimagined versions of old circuits.
New features and customized controls
The gameplay has been expanded with moves like the Charge Jump, which allows you to jump over obstacles and grind on rails. The player can also walk on walls for short periods. Another new feature is the Rewind function, which allows you to go back in time in case of a mistake, although your rivals will continue moving.
The game also features CameraPlay. Using a special camera (sold separately), the player's face appears next to the character in online or local matches, with detection of up to four people per system.
Mario Kart World arrives with versions for all skill levels
The title includes driver 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.
With a release date set for 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 racetrack — and it's open to everyone.