The gaming world has been talking nonstop about the Nintendo Switch 2 since it was unveiled earlier this month. Much of the talk has been around the confirmation that Mario Kart World will be priced at $80 in the US. Now, Nintendo has revealed some more information about the upcoming entry in the popular kart racing series. The Mario Kart World Direct this week showed off some of the characters, tracks, and modes coming to what is sure to be one of the most talked about games of 2025.
Courses
The Direct started out by showing off some of the courses that will be available when the game launches in June. The courses will be placed throughout the game world, and players will be able to drive freely between them as they please. The courses will be related to the region they are found in. So you will find snowy tracks in the snowy region, sandy tracks in the desert region, and so on. Some of the courses included are:
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown City
- Salty Salty Speedway
- Starview Peak
- Boo Cinema
- Toad’s Factory
- Peach Beach
- Wario Shipyard
Course from previous Mario Kart games will also be included in the game. These classic tracks have been “reimagined” and can be found throughout the world.
Characters
Next, the Direct focused on the many characters you will be able to play as. There will be 24 characters available to play as when the game launches. On top of classic returning characters, there are also some new playable characters like Goomba, Spike, and Cow. Characters and vehicles will each have different stats.
Modes
There will be two types of races in Mario Kart World: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. 24 players will be able to race together in each type of race, the most ever in a Mario Kart game. Grand Prix races are held around the world. Each cup will feature four races, and the racer with the most points at the end of the four races will be the winner. However, once a race ends, you will have to manually drive yourself from one track to the next in the game world.
Knockout Tour is a new mode in Mario Kart World. These races will go from one end of the game world to another. You will have to race from one checkpoint to another. Only a certain number of players will be able to pass through the checkpoint, with the remaining players being eliminated from the race.
Items
Items are some of the most fun parts of any Mario Kart game. Mario Kart World will feature some new items like the Coin Shell. This shell will leave a trail of coins behind when thrown, giving you a chance to collect them and speed up. There is also a new Ice Flower item, which lets you freeze opponents. The new Hammer item lets you throw a hammer at other racers. The hammer will also stay on the track for a short time for your opponents to run into.
Mega Mushrooms allow you to grow big and crush your competition. The feather item lets you jump up into the air to avoid incoming attacks. Lastly, Kamek can be unleashed to use magic to transform other racers and get them off track.
