The Nintendo Direct for Mario Kart World just wrapped up, and there is much to discuss. With all the new features and gimmicks for this installment of the Mario Kart series, there are tons of exciting things to look forward to ahead of the June 5 launch.
The Mario Kart World map is massive and interconnected, meaning you can drive between each course and in the surrounding world. In Free Roam mode, friends can meet up anywhere on the map to drive around, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery. With the Nintendo Switch 2‘s CameraPlay and GameChat, you can party with your friends, no matter where you are. There’s also a day and night cycle and changing weather conditions, so the courses feel different each time you play.
In addition to the classic Grand Prix, players can also duke it out in the new Knockout Tour mode, where opponents are racing to each checkpoint and dodging obstacles to stay in the race. This mode is for the friend group that lives for the thrill of competition and doesn’t mind playing a bit dirty to secure first place. The classic Battle Modes are back, but with a twist: in Balloon Battle, once all your balloons are popped, you’re out of the round! Time Trials and VS mode will also be making a return to the game. In VS mode, players can choose to compete as two to four teams with the classic three-lap setup, or use the new mechanic of driving between each course.
Goomba finally gets his day on the track in this new installment. | Source: Nintendo
A Coin Shell darts down the track! | Source: Nintendo
Gameplay from the classic Balloon Battle Mode. | Source: Nintendo
Players can make a pit stop at Yoshi's for delicious snacks. | Source: Nintendo
Explore the wonders of the enormous map with Free Roam mode! | Source: Nintendo
Take pics with your friends and family in Free Roam's photo mode. | Source: Nintendo
Now you can see your friends from all over with the Nintendo Switch 2's CameraPlay function. | Source: Nintendo
Another great feature new to this entry is Dash Food, where players can make a pit stop at Yoshi’s drive-through restaurant for a quick bite that unlocks new costumes for their characters. What you unlock is based on the kind of food you get, but once you unlock it, you can choose that costume in the character selection screen before a race. Once your fit is locked in, you can drive in style by performing the new Charge Jump trick, which allows you to jump onto rails and briefly ride along walls. In single player and Free Roam modes, if you don’t stick the landing or end up wanting to try again, the new Rewind feature has you covered, though beware: if you rewind, it only affects you, so other racers will still drive ahead in real time.
Mario Kart World brings new characters, items, and courses, like Goomba, Coin Shells, and Starview Peak, while bringing back fan-favorites from previous installments. The Nintendo Switch 2 will also have Joy-Con steering wheel attachments available for purchase, sold separately, so you can feel like you’re actually putting the pedal to the metal. To find out more about Mario Kart World’s fun new features, check out Nintendo’s website.
