Nintendo revealed several new details about Mario Kart World during its dedicated Nintendo Direct for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch title, including courses, items, modes, and much more.
The massive map of Mario Kart World includes several new courses alongside returning favorites. These new maps include:
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown City
- Salty Salty Speedway
- Starview Peak
- Boo Cinema
- Toad’s Factory
- Peach Beach
- Wario Shipyard
Mario Kart World’s version of Rainbow Road was also teased. Additionally, there will be multiple new items in the game, such as Coin Shell, Ice Flower, Hammer, Mega Mushroom, Feather, and Kamek. Food may be picked up like power-ups at Yoshi’s drive-thru locations around the map to unlock new costumes.
There will be a variety of modes in the game alongside Grand Prix, including Time Trials with downloadable ghost data, VS Race with custom rulesets, and Teams with up to 24 players. Battle Mode from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also returns with Balloon Battle and Coin Runners match types. One of the main highlights of Mario Kart World is Free Roam, which features coin challenges, medallions, and other secrets to uncover. Free Roam, Teams, VS Race, and more is fully playable online.
What’s more, Mario Kart World features smart steering, which helps prevent the player from veering off course. There will also be a new Charge Jump mechanic that allows players to avoid enemy power-ups, wall-ride, and access other areas. A Rewind feature reminiscent to the one found in Forza Horizon 5 is present, except it only works on the player and not the AI opponents.
Mario Kart World will release on June 5 for $79.99 alongside Nintendo Switch 2. A bundle including Mario Kart World will be available at launch, and pre-orders will go live at a later date.
