Official press release provided by Nintendo of Canada:
VANCOUVER, BC, April 17, 2025 – During the Mario Kart World presentation, Nintendo presented footage detailing new information about the upcoming game, which will be the most complete Mario Kart game in the series, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 console on June 5. In addition, a bundle that includes the Nintendo Switch 2 system and a download code for the Mario Kart World game will also be available from June 5.
Mario Kart World offers a first in the series: an interconnected world where you can drive virtually anywhere, including through cities, plains, a desert, and even the ocean. The races take place across different regions in this world and offer dynamic weather conditions and a day and night cycle. Start your engines and compete for first place in Grand Prix or the new Survival mode, or simply ride through a world of diverse locations in Balaade. The world is your tour and there is so much to discover solo or with friends, locally or online. This is just the beginning!
Please read below for more information on what was presented:
- An interconnected world: Drift, enjoy the slipstream, and race through an interconnected world for the first time in a Mario Kart game. In Mario Kart World, tracks are spread across the globe, connected by roads, allowing players to navigate between tracks!
- Grand Prix: Go for gold in Grand Prix, which consists of four different races to win each cup; including the Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup, and many more, all set across the game world. And for the first time in the series, the drivers will have to continue their race from one circuit to the next as part of the Grand Prix! In the Mushroom Cup, for example, you will start your races in Mario Bros. Circuit, then in the second race you will have to cover the distance between Mario Bros. Circuit and Tropheopolis. Win all the Grand Prix Cups and you could unlock a certain colorful track!
- Survival: Race from one corner of the world to the other in these unique rallies, punctuated by checkpoints. If you don’t qualify, you’re out, so buckle up in these non-stop races, you’ll need to keep up the pace to stay in the race. Your rivals aren’t the only obstacles that will stand in your way. Vehicles firing Bill Bullets, Marto Brothers’ attacks, and other obstacles will also be present in this mode. Ride to survive and keep your eye on the top spot!
- Jaunt: Everything there is to discover in Mario Kart World goes beyond the races. When you’re not aiming for first place, take a scenic ride through Balade! Explore scenic views, go off the beaten path, get a view of the seas and find secrets like hidden coins, or hit P switches to complete missions that can help improve your driving skills outside of racing. You can also take photos while walking around, so take a go-kart ride and pose at the sites.
- Battle: Battle Mode is back, more intense than ever. Earn gold by collecting the most coins in Coin Battle or pop your opponents’ balloons with items in Balloon Battle. Or, get gold by collecting the most coins in Coin Runs. And this time, if you pop all of your opponents’ balloons, they’re eliminated.
- New techniques: Overcome obstacles and more with the new Charged Jump ability. Use it to move on rails, dodge attacks from rivals, and even jump on a wall to move around for a short while. You can also chain together pipes on the different walls to discover hidden roads. Missed something? Use Rewind to return your vehicle to its original position. This is a great way to correct a mistake, but remember that your rivals will continue their race, so don’t lose your lead!
- 24 Drivers: Mario Kart World offers races with up to 24 participants across the game world, never before seen in the history of the Mario Kart series! Modes like Grand Prix and Survival allow up to 24 drivers to compete, featuring friends and familiar faces where multiple rivals will battle it out for first place.
- Fun for everyone, anywhere: Mario Kart World offers a multitude of ways to play together, locally or online. Up to four players can race in split-screen on the same console. The game is also compatible with local wireless mode where up to eight players (with up to two players per Nintendo Switch 2 console) can race together. And players from all over the world can join a race or battle in the online game. In Balade you can also meet your team anywhere in the game world. Walk around, find out where your friends are on the map, and teleport to them instantly. Then, battle, race with custom rules, or take a go-kart ride to enjoy the scenery together.
- Even more fun with GameChat: GameChat*** offers a unique online experience in the Mario Kart World game. Use the built-in Nintendo Switch 2 microphone to chat with friends while driving together or look at other players’ screens.
- CameraPlay: If you own a Nintendo Switch 2 camera, your face will appear next to your pilot and you can see your friends’ reactions as you play! When playing locally with friends and family on the same console, a single camera can detect up to four faces that you can also see in the game.
- Tracks: Mario Kart World offers several races across its vast world. Rule the roads of new circuits such as Mario Bros. Circuit, the modern streets of Tropheopolis, the snowy trails of Observatory Peak, and Boo Cinema, to name a few. Famous tracks from previous Mario Kart games have also been redesigned to fit perfectly into this vast new world, offering new experiences based on classics.
- Characters: Get behind the wheel as familiar characters from the Mushroom Kingdom such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser. Looking for a rather eccentric driver? Try Goomba, Spike or even Meuh Meuh.
- New Items: Tame the tracks with a selection of new items. Throw a coin shell to knock down your rivals and spawn coins that gradually increase the speed of those who collect them. Cool down your competitors’ ardor (and send them flying) with the Fleur de Glace. Pin your opponent down or briefly block their path. Use a mega mushroom to grow and crush your rivals. Take a leap to new heights with the Acrobat Feather. Summon Magikoopa’s magic to turn your rivals into something surprising and cause unexpected chaos in the race. The lower you are on the leaderboard, the more likely you are to receive turnaround items, so take advantage of them!
- Quick Stop: Stop by Yoshi’s for a local treat: Turbo Snack! These take-home orders will grant you a speed boost and sometimes unlock outfits that can be put on from the character select screen. There are tons of meals and outfits to choose from, so make a stop while strolling through Mario Kart World.
- Even more modes: Whether you want to race or battle, there are even more ways to fuel friendly competition in Mario Kart World. Race against the clock in Time Trial. Players can also compete online against the ghost of drivers from around the world. And you can customize the rules on the road in Race vs., where drivers decide whether they want to compete in teams of two, three, or four with a classic three-lap set of rules or by driving from one track to another.
- Roadside Assistance: Looking for options to help you with your races? Features like Assisted Driving to keep you on the track, Auto Acceleration and Gyroscope for motion controls are available to turn on or off. Plus, if you own the Joy-Con 2 steering wheel accessory (sold separately), you’ll feel like you’re really driving!
The Nintendo Switch 2 system has a parental control feature that allows adults to manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, see https://www.nintendo.com/fr-ca/switch/.
Images courtesy of Nintendo of Canada
