Details Confirmed About Mario Kart World For The Nintendo Switch

Super Mario Kart premiered on the SNES in 1992 and was a huge hit. It inspired many developers to follow suit, creating a beloved karting genre for those uninterested in more involved simulation-level racing experiences.

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The last console entry in the series was technically on the Wii U in 2014 with Mario Kart 8, which was later expanded through several updates on the Nintendo Switch starting in 2017. Now, over a decade later, the series is back with Mario Kart World. What news did Nintendo reveal in the Switch 2 event? Let’s kick things off in a big way by looking at the latest details on Mario Kart World

6

Price And Release Date

Yikes, Nintendo

When the Xbox Series X and S and PlayStation 5 launched, fans were shocked to see most games raised from $60 to $70 in North America. Throughout Switch’s life, most games consistently stayed at a $60 price point, but now it seems like the Switch 2’s prices will fluctuate. For example, if players buy Mario Kart World, it will be $80, which is astounding as, again, that’s more than PS5 and Xbox Series X games currently cost.

The Switch 2 is set to release on June 5 at a retail cost of $450, and Mario Kart World will be a launch game. There is a different version with Mario Kart World bundled with the console for just $500, making the game only $50, which is a steal comparatively. Donkey Kong Bananza, set to release a month later, is only going to be $70, so again, the prices for digital and physical games look like they will fluctuate on Switch 2, much like cartridge prices did decades ago during the N64 era.

5

You Can Drive In An Open-World

But Can’t You Get Out Of The Car

The open-world nature of Mario Kart World is perhaps the biggest shift from the previous titles in this series. Players can go into matches like normal, playing four tracks and then determining a winner. There is also a more global expedition since this is literally a world tour wherein players can race across the nation and even get eliminated along the way.

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In between races, no matter the mode, players can explore the open range. However, it seems like there is no way to exit the vehicle, which is a shame, but Mario Kart World is not the first open-world racing game. This was Ubisoft’s big pitch with The Crew and its sequel, and Forza Horizon’s big claim to fame, but Mario Kart World definitely has more cheerful vibes as it places Mario characters in the limelight.

4

Confirmed Characters

Who Is Missing?

Based on the website, there are twenty-four confirmed characters for Mario Kart World thus far, including Mario, Baby Mario, Luigi, Baby Luigi, Peach, Baby Peach, Rosalina, Baby Rosalina, Daisy, Baby Daisy, Paulina, Toadette, Toad, Koopa Troopa, King Boo, Yoshi, Shy Guy, Lakitu, Donkey Kong, Wario, Waluigi, Bowser, Bowser Jr., and Birdo. Based on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there is a notable set of missing characters beyond alternate versions of Mario and Peach, like Metal Mario from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

All the Koopalings are missing, along with guest characters like Link from The Legend of Zelda, as well as Animal Crossing and Splatoon characters. There were no Miis in the trailer either, and they were missing from the Switch 2 presentation overall, which may point to Nintendo trying to get away from them. Curiously, there were other characters displayed in art and trailers, like Goombas and other low-level enemies, as well as someone racing as a cow. Instead of playable characters, these could merely be enemies to race against or temporary costumes. That is just speculation at this point, though.

3

Vehicle Types And Power-Ups

Hijacking A Semi

Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS was the first game to implement gliders on the backs of karts. That was expanded in Mario Kart 8, and vehicles could further transform based on where they were racing. Little jet propellers would appear underwater, and anti-gravity wheels would turn on when players drove upside down.

This time around, it looks like players will get Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed levels of vehicle progression, going from karts to boats in an instant. Cars can sprout wings, grind on rails like a Tony Hawk game, bounce around cages, and so much more. Traditional power-ups appeared, like bananas and shells, and there was even a point where a kart hijacked a semi-truck and started driving it. Mario Kart World looks unhinged in the best way possible.

2

Multiplayer Options

Take It On Tour

Mario Kart World has an interesting approach to its multiplayer. The aforementioned globe-trotting race is called Knockout Tour, where twenty-four players can compete online. If players don’t make it past the goal on time, they will be eliminated Battle-Royale style. Assuredly, players don’t need twenty-four friends to use this feature online.

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In the demonstration for the Switch 2’s GameChat feature, four players could be seen exploring the world with each other. They can even take photos to commemorate the occasion, which isn’t new for video games, but the confirmation of a Photo Mode in the game is still nice to see. Four players can even connect on the same Switch 2 using a myriad of different control types, including using a set of original Switch Joy-Cons.

1

Different Control Styles

Grab The Wheel Bundle

It’s a bit shocking how much everything will cost at launch with the Switch 2, but that is the standard for console launches these days. Some products won’t break the bank, though and are seemingly good deals to be found. As was previously mentioned, original Joy-Cons can be used to play Mario Kart World in multiplayer.

Between Joy-Con 2s and Joy-Cons, players can use them together like a normal controller, split them apart and play in side view, or use motion controls. If players like playing games using motion controls, then they should consider getting that aforementioned good deal via the Switch 2’s racing wheel. For $20, players can get two wheels in the package, which isn’t a terrible deal, all things considered.

Systems

Released

June 2, 2025

ESRB

Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo