Mario Kart World Confirmed for Switch 2

Mario Kart World has been confirmed as the headline launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. As previously teased when we first got a look at the game in January, Mario Kart World will feature 24 characters per race across 7 new cups. With a stacked grid, the game will feature a load of new playable characters to the racing franchise, including Hammer Bros, Lakitu and the Cow from Moo Moo Meadows.

Mario Kart World will launch on 5th June 2025 and features a few new modes for players to get stuck into. On top of the regular four-track grand prix, a knockout grand prix sees the action take place over lengthier courses. If a rider fails to obtain a high enough ranking through each checkpoint, they’ll be eliminated from the race.

Free roam allows Mario to take the action away from the track, with players able to explore a huge world and unlock more courses to race on. Four players will be able to play together on one console, with up to 24 online. The game will also support camera functionality with the new GameChat feature of the console.

Nintendo has teased us with new racing mechanics such as grinding, racing along walls and speedboats. There was also a small hint at some of the power-ups. Bullet Bills are making a comeback, as are the Super Mushrooms. During the direct Mario Kart World seemed to implement mid-race costume changes but how this plays out remains to be seen. At least gamers don’t have long to wait to find out.

It is the first time Mario Kart has been the tentpole release for a Nintendo console. It’s also the first Mario Kart that can be played in 4K in TV mode. That being said, Mario Kart is arguably Nintendo’s biggest franchise, with each release being one of the best selling games on its platform.

To that end, Nintendo has set two different prices for Mario Kart World, depending on the format chosen. The digital RRP is set at £66.99, with the physical copy expected to retail for £74.99. A limited time pack-in bundle that contains the Switch 2 console and digital copy of Mario Kart World will release on 5th June for an RRP of £429.99.

There will be a deeper dive into Mario Kart World via a Mario Kart World Direct on 17 April 2025.

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