Summary

During the June 03, 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company revealed that the nextMario Kartgame,Mario Kart World, will include a slew of new features including vehicle transformations, multiple game modes, and semi-open world roaming.Mario Kart Worldwill be releasing June 5, the same day as theNintendo Switch 2, making it one of the major first-party launch titles on the next generation of Nintendo consoles.

First teased during the January 16 Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer,Mario Kart Worldwill be the newest entry in the smash-hitMario Kartfranchise. Its most recent predecessor,Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, currently ranks number one among thebest-selling Nintendo Switch games of all time, and players are already gearing up for another big launch in one of the company’s biggest franchises.

Nintendo Switch 2 Tag Page Cover Art

The first reveal of theNintendo Switch 2 Directgave fans a more detailed look atMario Kart World, including new abilities, more playable characters, upcoming courses, and the various game modes that players will be able to experience for the first time in aMario Kartgame.Mario Kart Worldwill see players diving into one of several major game modes, set within a vast world where kart races are held in various regions. Players will have to face off in a 24-racer competition, with the time of day and weather conditions altering the in-game atmosphere with sunlight, rain, and more. In addition to the extended trailer, Nintendo announced that a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct will be happening on April 17, giving fans an even closer look at thenext entry in theMario Kartfranchise.

Mario Kart World: New Game Modes, Gameplay Features, and More

Two new game modes were revealed forMario Kart World. Knockout Tour is a series of elimination races where players will have to meet the minimum finish position to stay in the competition. Freeroam will allow players to explore “virtually anywhere” within the game, allowing for offroad excursions. Some of the new gameplay features showcased forMario Kart Worldinclude rail grinding, wall jumping, and kart transformations, such as a snowmobile and jetskii. Brand-newMario Kartpower-upswill include a giant hamburger, a ?-Block loaded with coins, and a Hammberbros hammer-toss ability. One of the cows from Moo Moo Meadows, a Chargin' Chuck, and Nabbit can be spotted driving around on the new tracks, teasing some of the new characters that will be joining the roster whenMario Kart Worldlaunches on June 5.

Mario Kart Worldlooks to be one of the biggest games in theMario Kartgame series, with more racers on each track, the first-ever Freeroam mode, and brand-new gameplay mechanics to expand the racing experience for both new and veteran players. Interested fans can stay tuned for moreMario Kart Worldupdates ahead of its June launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2.