Mario Kart World was just announced at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in April 2025! Read on to learn how it plays, what it's about, and everything else we know so far.

Mario Kart World Gameplay

Mario Kart World introduces a range of gameplay features that expand upon the traditional kart racing experience. One of the most notable enhancements is the integration of an open-world design, which allows players to seamlessly traverse through diverse environments such as grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, and active volcanoes.

The Free Roam mode offers players the freedom to explore the expansive open-world environments. Complementing this are dynamic environmental effects that alter gameplay based on time-of-day changes and weather conditions such as fog and rain.

The game supports races with up to 24 participants, doubling the number from previous installments. In Grand Prix mode, competitors aim to accumulate the highest points across four connected courses, with the areas between tracks becoming integral parts of the race.

Mario Kart World also introduces the Knockout Tour mode, a survival-style competition where racers face elimination at designated checkpoints. Starting with 24 drivers, the bottom four are removed at each of the five checkpoints. This then culminates in a final showdown among the remaining four competitors.

New gameplay mechanics like rail grinding and wall jumping offer speed boosts and access to shortcuts, while the inclusion of diverse vehicles such as boats and snowmobiles allows for racing across varied terrains.

Mario Kart World Story

Mario Kart games do not feature traditional story modes, and it remains unknown if Mario Kart World will follow suit. However, players can engage in the Grand Prix mode, a staple of the series where participants compete in a series of races across various tracks to accumulate points and achieve the highest overall ranking. Unlike previous titles, tracks in the Grand Prix mode now flow seamlessly into one another.

The character roster in Mario Kart World is notably expansive and will feature both classic and new characters from the Mario universe. Confirmed returning characters are:

　⚫︎　Baby Daisy
　⚫︎　Baby Luigi
　⚫︎　Baby Mario
　⚫︎　Baby Peach
　⚫︎　Baby Rosalina
　⚫︎　Birdo
　⚫︎　Boo
　⚫︎　Bowser
　⚫︎　Cataquack
　⚫︎　Chargin’ Chuck
　⚫︎　Dolphin
　⚫︎　Donkey Kong
　⚫︎　Fish Bone
　⚫︎　Goomba
　⚫︎　Hammer Bro
　⚫︎　Koopa
　⚫︎　Lakitu
　⚫︎　Luigi
　⚫︎　Mario
　⚫︎　Monty Mole
　⚫︎　Moo Moo
　⚫︎　Nabbit
　⚫︎　Para-Biddybud
　⚫︎　Pauline
　⚫︎　Peach
　⚫︎　Peepa
　⚫︎　Penguin
　⚫︎　Pokey
　⚫︎　Shy Guy
　⚫︎　Sidestepper
　⚫︎　Snowman
　⚫︎　Spike
　⚫︎　Stingby
　⚫︎　Toad
　⚫︎　Toadette
　⚫︎　Waluigi
　⚫︎　Wario
　⚫︎　Yoshi

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L A R Opalec

Lloyd grew up bonding with his big brother over video games. While RPGs like Disco Elysium and Final Fantasy IX hold a special place in his heart, he's always up to try new genres.