Introduction
Get ready to rev your engines—Mario Kart World is speeding onto the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, and it’s set to be the wildest ride in the Mario Kart series yet! Announced on January 16, 2025, this game isn’t just another lap around the track—it’s a new way to race, explore, and have fun with Mario and friends. Mario Kart World is shaking up everything fans love about kart racing with a massive open world, 24 racers at once, and cool features like rail grinding and weather changes. This article dives into all the details—what it is, how it plays, who’s in it, and why it’s a big deal—all written in simple,
Table of Contents
What Is Mario Kart World?
Mario Kart World is the newest game in the Mario Kart series, launching with the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. The 16th game in this super-popular racing franchise started in 1992 with Super Mario Kart. Unlike past games where you race on set tracks, Mario Kart World mixes things up with a vast open-world map you can drive around freely. Think of it like a giant playground where races, battles, and adventures happen in one big space.
Nintendo showed off Mario Kart World in a “first-look” trailer on January 16, 2025, and fans went wild. It’s got 24 racers zooming around at once—double the usual 12—plus bikes, ATVs, and karts with wild new designs. The art style is fresh, too, looking like colourful 2D drawings by artist Shigehisa Nakaue, similar to Super Mario Bros. Wonder. It’s a big leap for Mario Kart, and it’s ready to roll out as the Switch 2’s star launch game.
A New Way to Play: Open-World Racing
The biggest twist in Mario Kart World is its open-world setup. Instead of picking a track and racing, you start on a giant map filled with roads, deserts, cities, and more. You can drive anywhere—straight to the next race in Grand Prix mode, off-road to explore, or cruise with friends in Free Roam mode. It’s like Forza Horizon meets Mario but with banana peels and shells!
This open world changes, too. Day turns to night, and rain or snow can shake up how you race. Imagine slipping on a wet Rainbow Road or dodging traffic on a busy highway—it’s all part of Mario Kart World. Posts on X call it “the biggest jump in the series ever,” and they’re not wrong. It isn’t just racing—it’s an adventure.
Tracks That Wow: Mario Bros. Circuit and More
Mario Kart World starts with some fantastic tracks, and one stands out: Mario Bros. Circuit. This desert-themed course pulls inspiration from the Southwestern US, like Route 66. Picture a starting line with a “Mario Bros. Circuit” sign, a Fire Flower Gas Station, and a burger joint shaped like Yoshi’s head—bun and all! You’ll race on a four-lane highway with moving cars, dodge past mushroom-shaped buttes, and zip by giant metal boxes half-buried in the sand.
Another track, Super Mario Circuit, mixes bits from old Mario Circuit courses into one big mashup. Tracks here are wider and longer than ever, built for 24 racers at once. Mario Kart World promises more courses, too, with a Mario Kart Direct coming soon to spill the beans. Whether it’s classics or brand-new spots, these tracks are made to thrill.
Who’s Racing in Mario Kart World?
Mario Kart World brings back 24 fan-favorite characters for its launch lineup. Here’s who’s confirmed from the teaser:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Princess Peach
- Bowser
- Yoshi
- Toad
- Princess Daisy
- Rosalina
- Donkey Kong
- Wario
- Waluigi
- Koopa Troopa
- Shy Guy
- Lakitu
- Toadette
- Baby Mario
- Baby Luigi
- Birdo
- Diddy Kong
- Bowser Jr.
- King Boo
- Petey Piranha
- Sledge Bros.
- The cow from Moo Moo Meadows (yes, really!)
These racers get a makeover with detailed outfits—Peach skips her racing suit for her classic dress, even on bikes! Mario Kart World might add more characters later, and there’s talk of customizable costumes, like in Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled. Imagine Mario in a cowboy hat or Luigi as a chef—how cool would that be?
Cool Moves and Power-Ups
Mario Kart World isn’t just about driving—it’s about mastering new tricks. Like old games, you can grind on rails like in Disney Speedstorm, ride walls, and hop for tight turns. Karts transform, too—some turn into planes, boats, or snowmobiles, borrowing from Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed. It’s wild fun that keeps every race fresh.
Power-ups are back with classics like Mushrooms for speed, Red Shells to attack, and Bananas to trip foes. New items might also be tied to the weather or the open world. Picture a sandstorm shield or a traffic-dodging boost! Mario Kart World keeps the chaos fans love while adding new twists.
Game Modes: More Than Just Racing
Mario Kart World packs a bunch of ways to play. Here’s what’s on the table:
Grand Prix
Race through cups with 24 drivers, zooming from one course to the next across the open world. Win stars and unlock goodies—it’s the classic Mario Kart vibe, supersized.
Free Roam
Drive anywhere with no rules. Explore, find secrets, or mess around with friends. It’s perfect for chilling or snapping pics in the new photo mode.
Knockout Mode
It’s a fresh twist like Need for Speed’s old Knockout races. The last racer standing wins—think Battle Mode meets Survival. X posts call it a “game-changer.”
Battle Mode
Pop balloons or grab coins in arenas, now with 24 players. It’s wilder than ever, and we’ll see team battles too.
Online Fun
Race or roam with up to 24 players online, with GameChat to talk trash or team up. Mario Kart World is built for significant, loud multiplayer action.
Why Mario Kart World Looks Amazing
The art in Mario Kart World is a big deal. Characters look like 2D drawings, with bright colours and tons of detail coming to life. Tracks pop with Yoshi-shaped diners and mushroom hills, making every corner a treat. Weather and time changes—like a sunset over a desert or rain on a city street—add extra wow.
Nintendo’s calling it a “visual leap,” and fans on X agree, saying it “cooks” compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. With the Switch 2’s power, Mario Kart World could hit 4K docked and 1080p handheld, looking sharp and smooth at 60 frames per second. It’s a feast for your eyes!
How Much and Where to Get It
Mario Kart World launches June 5, 2025, with the Switch 2, priced at $80—a bit more than the usual $60, but packed with extras. You can grab it digitally on the Nintendo eShop or as a physical copy at stores like Amazon or GameStop. The Switch 2 bundle might include it, too—keep an eye out!
There is no word yet on DLC, but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has tons of extra tracks, so that Mario Kart World might follow suit. A Mario Kart Direct soon will tell us more about editions or bonuses.
Why Mario Kart World Matters in 2025
Mario Kart World isn’t just a game—it’s a big moment for Nintendo. Expectations are sky-high after Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold over 67 million copies. Launching with the Switch 2, it’s got to show off the new console’s power and pull in players. With 189 million Mario Kart games sold, this series is a giant, and Mario Kart World aims to keep it rolling.
It’s also stealing bright ideas from other racers—open worlds from Forza, knockouts from Need for Speed, and transformations from Sonic. Mixing that with Mario’s charm makes Mario Kart World a fresh start, not just more of the same.
Tips to Win in Mario Kart World
Want to rule the roads? Try these:
- Explore Everywhere: Free Roam hides shortcuts and secrets—find them!
- Master Tricks: Grind rails and wall-ride to dodge chaos with 24 racers.
- Watch the Weather: Rain slows you down—use boosts to stay ahead.
- Team Up: In Knockout or Battle, stick with pals to outlast foes.
Mario Kart World rewards skill and smarts, so practice makes perfect.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are hyped! X posts scream about “24 players” and “open-world racing,” with one calling it “Mario Kart Horizon.” Some worry $80 is steep, but most say the new stuff—like Knockout mode and cow racers—makes it worth it. The teaser has over a million views, and chatter’s only growing as June 5 nears.
What’s Next for Mario Kart World?
A Mario Kart Direct is coming “soon” after April 3, 2025, promising more tracks, modes, and maybe new characters. Could we see Link or Zelda again? Or wild costumes? Mario Kart World might grow with updates, too, keeping it fresh past launch. With the Switch 2’s online power, expect significant multiplayer events.
Final Thoughts on Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World is set to be a game-changer on June 5, 2025. It’s got everything fans love—fast races, fun characters, crazy items—plus a vast open world and 24-player action. From Mario Bros. Circuit’s desert vibes to Free Roam’s freedom, it’s a blast for newbies and pros alike. The Switch 2’s launch wouldn’t be the same without it.
So, grab your controller, pick your racer (cow included!), and get ready to explore Mario Kart. It’s not just a race—it’s a whole new world. What’s your favourite part so far? Drop it below—this kart party’s too big to miss!
References
Super Mario Wiki. (2025). Mario Kart World. Retrieved from www.mariowiki.com
IGN. (2025). Mario Kart World Reveal Coverage. Retrieved from www.ign.com
The Gamer. (2025). Mario Kart World Steals Every Good Idea. Retrieved from www.thegamer.com
Nintendo Official Site. (2025). Nintendo Switch 2 First-Look Trailer. Retrieved from www.nintendo.com
Mario Wiki Fandom. (2025). Mario Kart World Details. Retrieved from mario.fandom.com