I realize the Super Mario Bros. franchise is, quite literally, kid friendly. However, some news deserve language reserved for adults. So let me just say, “Letsa f***ing goooooo!” Today during today’s Nintendo DirectOpens in a new tab for the Nintendo Switch 2, the company provided our best and most in-depth look yet at the next installment of Mario KartOpens in a new tab. Get ready to drive wherever you like—with whomever you like and for as long as you like—with Mario Kart World.
And you’ll be able to that very soon. The game is arriving with the Switch 2Opens in a new tab right in time for summer, on June 5, 2025.
Nintendo took center stage in the gaming world today with a big update for the Switch 2. That began with a fantastic trailer full of gameplay footage for Mario Kart World. The company also provided tons of information about new features coming to the beloved series.
The “World” in the game’s title refers to it’s various regions “that span the globe.” Racers will be speeding off all around the planet. It will matter when they do, too. “Depending on the time of day and weather conditions, the atmosphere will change.” No more perfecting a single course by knowing it inside and out. You’ll have to adjust on the fly to your surroundings. You’ll also get to explore all of those surroundings. Mario Kart World will let players go off the track and drive “virtually everywhere.”
New Additions and Things We Learned About Mario Kart World During a Later Nintendo Direct
There are a few new tracks, including Crown City, the Salty Salty Speedway, the very icy Starview Peak, and Boo Cinema, a drive-thru theater. There is also a new mode called Knockout Tour. It includes long and multi-track races that knock off players as they progress, like a battle royale. If you make it to a checkpoint too late, you could get the cut.
There are new things to give you a competitive edge. The Coin shell puts coins on the track for you to grab, the Ice Flower freezes your enemies, Hammers can smash opponents where they land, and Mega Mushrooms make you, well, mega so you can run over others. There are also Feathers that let you float in the air longer and scope out new pathways. Finally Kamek is a wild card item that can do a few different things. There’s also smart steering capabilities for newer players or those who need extra assistance.
Different meals will allow you to unlock outfits related to the cuisine. You can do some cool things, like drive on walls and rewind, too.
A new setting, “Free Roam,” will also let you drive around to “new areas and routes.” You can even go for a leisurely drive of exploration to scenic spots with friends so you can take photos together.
While the game is not abandoning it’s classic four-track Grand Prix tournament, it will let racers speed off to the next course as part of the competition. Races will also feature a whopping 24 competitors, most in franchise history. That will be especially fun during “Knockout Tour.” That will let you “race nonstop from one corner of the world to another.” Just make sure you’re hitting checkpoints along the way. If you come up short on a placement you’ll be eliminated.
And you thought the Rainbow Road was stressful.
A new Mario Kart with new features, new courses, new ways to play, and so much more? And it’s coming out in two months? Like I said, “Letsa f***ing go.”
Just, you know, don’t say that if you play Mario Kart World with children. It is a kid-friendly game after all.
Originally published April 2, 2025.
