Mario Kart World Is Loaded With New Features
During Mario Kart Direct, Nintendo laid out exactly what players can expect from the first all-new Mario Kart in over a decade. From bold new modes to a seamless open-world structure, Mario Kart World looks to redefine the franchise formula while staying true to what makes the series iconic.
One detail that’s already drawing attention is the $80 USD price tag—an unusually high entry point, even for a flagship title. While Nintendo claims the price reflects the game’s scope, not everyone’s convinced. That said, the sheer volume of content shown today leaves no doubt: this is the biggest Mario Kart to date.
Here’s a full breakdown of what Mario Kart World is bringing to the track.
Two Core Modes, One Expansive World
Grand Prix returns with a twist. Races are still organized in four-track Cups—Mushroom, Flower, Star, Shell, Banana, Leaf, and Lightning—but now, rather than jumping between static tracks, players drive between courses in a continuous, interconnected world. Finish a race, and you’ll seamlessly transition to the next destination with your rivals in tow. The Direct teased that conquering all seven Cups might unlock Rainbow Road—or even a Special Cup.
Knockout Tour, on the other hand, is the game’s high-stakes, high-chaos mode. With 24 racers battling in elimination-style checkpoints, tension runs high. Fall behind the required position before reaching a checkpoint, and you’re out. It’s pure adrenaline, and easily the Direct’s standout for competitive players.
Time Trials, VS Race, and Classic Battle Mode Return
Time Trials are back for solo perfectionists. Race against Ghost data, armed with three Mushrooms per run, and chase the leaderboard without interference from items or other racers.
VS Race offers full customization: race classes (50cc–150cc+), team divisions, item selection, CPU difficulty, and race count. Whether you want chaos or clean competition, this is your playground.
Battle Mode embraces the traditional format fans know and love, distancing itself from the criticized Wii U version. Two modes were confirmed:
Balloon Battle – Stay alive as each hit pops your balloons.
Coin Runners – Grab as many coins as possible while avoiding your opponents’ interference.
Free Roam: Explore, Discover, Compete
In a series-first, Mario Kart World features a Free Roam mode that lets you explore the open world with no pressure. Off-roading, river speeding, and mini-objectives fill the world. Activate P-Switches to trigger skill-based challenges—like rail-jumping for blue coins or dodging falling boulders under a time limit. Hundreds are scattered throughout the world, along with collectibles like the Peach Medallion.
Solo or co-op, you can pause at any time to enter Photo Mode, and the game even lets you track your friends on the map and teleport to them for seamless exploration.
Outfit Unlocks Tied to In-Game Food
A brand-new customization mechanic was also revealed: your character’s clothing can change based on the food they consume during gameplay.
As you explore the world in Free Roam mode and interact with various shops, stands, or side objectives, different foods will trigger unlocks for exclusive outfits. Whether it’s a fireproof suit after spicy curry or a beach outfit after a tropical smoothie, this feature adds another layer of personalization—and gives players a reason to explore every corner of the map.
Multiplayer: Local, Online, and Beyond
Whether couch co-op or global showdown, Mario Kart World is built for connection.
Split-Screen: Up to 4 players on one system.
Local Wireless: Up to 8 players (2 per Switch 2).
Online: Full 24-player races, again limited to 2 players per system.
While you wait in online lobbies, you’re dropped into a shared Free Roam world with others—explore, chat, and coordinate. With the Switch 2 Camera, GameChat adds a personal touch by overlaying players’ real-time faces onto their characters. Expect reactions, trash talk, and lots of laughter.
Course List: New Worlds, Old Favorites
The full roster of confirmed tracks is already turning heads. Nintendo’s reimagined returning tracks are visually and mechanically revamped, with day/night variations adding even more replay value. Here’s what’s confirmed so far:
New & Reimagined Tracks:
Airship Fortress, Boo Cinema, Cheep Cheep Falls, Choco Mountain, Crown City, Desert Hills, Dino Dino Jungle, DK Pass, DK Spaceport, Faraway Oasis, Great ? Block Ruins, Koopa Troopa Beach, Mario Bros. Circuit, Moo Moo Meadows, Peach Beach, Peach Stadium, Rainbow Road, Salty Salty Speedway, Shy Guy Bazaar, Sky-High Sundae, Starview Park, Toad’s Factory, Wario Shipyard, Wario Stadium, Whistlestop Summit.
Nintendo is pushing Mario Kart World as the definitive Switch 2 showcase—mechanically bold, visually stunning, and packed with content. But the $80 USD price tag remains controversial. Nintendo defends the cost, citing the game’s scale and replay value, though some fans are hesitant.
One thing’s certain: when Mario Kart World launches June 5 alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, it will have the attention of the entire gaming world
