Nintendo is shifting gears in a big way with Mario Kart World, the next evolution in its iconic kart racing franchise. Officially revealed during the highly anticipated Switch 2 Direct event, Mario Kart World is set to launch exclusively alongside the new Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. The game is shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the series yet, featuring an expansive open world, dynamic environments, and the largest driver roster in Mario Kart history.
Building on the runaway success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—which sold over 67 million copies worldwide—Mario Kart World reinvents the franchise formula by introducing brand-new vehicles, characters, costumes, and items. But the real game-changer is the open world design. Players will no longer be restricted to static tracks. Instead, they’ll race through sprawling regions ranging from snowy peaks to arid deserts, each with its own weather conditions and time-of-day effects that impact gameplay.
According to Nintendo, Mario Kart World will feature 24 playable characters, the most ever in a single Mario Kart game. But it’s not just about racing—it’s about exploring. In a first for the series, players will physically drive from one race to another in Grand Prix mode, creating a seamless and immersive experience that blends exploration with competition.
Two major new game modes are also making their debut. The first is Knockout Tour, a high-stakes survival race where players must reach checkpoints across the map without falling below a designated rank—or risk elimination. The second is Free Roam, a laid-back mode where players can explore the map at their own pace, take in the views, discover hidden paths, and snap in-game photos with friends.
Nintendo is promising more details about the game during a follow-up showcase on April 17. Until then, excitement is mounting as fans gear up for what could be the biggest Mario Kart game ever made. With its expansive world, multiplayer-focused modes, and Switch 2 exclusivity, Mario Kart World could mark a whole new era for the franchise—and for kart racers in general.
