Mario Kart World has now been revealed, having been showcased during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event. From what we've seen so far, the new Mario Kart looks primed to push the franchise forward, with a new art style, and seamless racing between tracks across a large map.
Of course, we've known about a new Mario Kart game for a while, as it was teased during the initial Nintendo Switch 2 event back in January. This full reveal is no doubt music to your ears, given just how long it's been since we got a brand new Mario Kart game on consoles. We've even played it, and you can read what we thought in our Mario Kart World preview.
Now we know that it's coming to Nintendo Switch 2, as well as some new details on what to expect. The promise of a new Mario Kart has certainly convinced us here at TechRadar Gaming to stay up to date with Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.
Following its reveal, Mario Kart World is easily one of the most highly anticipated upcoming games for 2025. Hopefully, it'll end up on our list of the best Nintendo Switch games by the end of the year. Who knows, maybe it'll even dethrone its predecessor after many, many years at the top of sales charts? Rather big shoes to fill indeed.
Here's everything we know so far about Mario Kart World so far, including a look at gameplay, as well as all of the latest news and trailers. As new info drops this page will be updated.
Mario Kart World: cut to the chase
- What is it? The next entry in the legendary Mario Kart series
- When does it come out? June 5, 2025
- What can I play it on? Nintendo Switch 2 (exclusively)
- Who's making it? Nintendo
Mario Kart World release date and platforms
Mario Kart World will launch on June 5, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2, alongside the main console.
This new Mario Kart is going to be an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mario Kart World trailers
So far, we've only received one trailer for Mario Kart World. It was revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025. This reveals the game's name and gives us our first look at the new 24-player races.
We'll likely hear more about Mario Kart World in the coming months. To keep up to date with every trailer release for the game, be sure to check out the official Nintendo YouTube channel. Alternatively, you can stay up to date with all things Nintendo using the Nintendo Today app.
Mario Kart World gameplay
Mario Kart World gameplay was shown off during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal event that aired on April 2, 2025. In it, we see that all tracks in the game lead into one another, in a large interconnected world map. This allows players to drive between tracks during Grand Prix. In addition, you can drive anywhere on a track, even outside of the guidelines. There's another mode called Knockout Tour, which takes you from one end of the world to the other. Speed towards checkpoints, as the players in last place are eliminated.
From what we've seen so far, Mario Kart World features a bunch of new mechanics. The first is the ability to grind, which is shown in the reveal trailer. Players can seemingly drive into larger vehicles and take them over as well. There are new items to play with too, like a burger seen in the aforementioned trailer. There's wall-riding, and an expanded flying mechanic as well. New tricks and items are now available too, with Charge Jump being handy for dodging items and other hazards.
Races can now contain 24 players, the largest in the series so far. This all pairs nicely with the new Free Roam mode that lets you and your friends drive around the map, completing challenges. New items include Coin Shell, which spawns a line of coins to collect. Hammer can be thrown at enemies in an arc. Mega Mushroom makes you grow massively in size, and Kamek casts spells that affect other players.
Mario Kart World characters
So far, the following characters have been confirmed for Mario Kart X:
- Baby Daisy
- Baby Luigi
- Baby Mario
- Baby Peach
- Baby Rosalina
- Birdo
- Bowser
- Bowser Jr.
- Cataquack (new)
- Chargin' Chuck
- Cheep Cheep (new)
- Coin Coffer (new)
- Conkdor (new)
- Cow (new)
- Daisy
- Dolphin (new)
- Donkey Kong
- Dry Bones
- Fish Bone (new)
- Goomba
- Hammer Bro.
- King Boo
- Koopa
- Lakitu
- Luigi
- Mario
- Monty Mole (new)
- Nabbit
- Para-Biddybud
- Pauline
- Peach
- Peepa (new)
- Penguin (new)
- Pianta (new)
- Piranha Plant (new)
- Pokey (new)
- Rocky Wrench (new)
- Rosalina
- Shy Guy
- Sidestepper (new)
- Snowman (new)
- Spike (new)
- Stingby (new)
- Swoop (new)
- Toad
- Toadette
- Waluigi
- Wario
- Wiggler
- Yoshi
Mario Kart World tracks
We've only seen a handful of Mario Kart World tracks in action - also called courses - with some returning from previous titles, while others are brand new to the series. Here's what's been revealed so far:
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown City
- DK Spaceport
- Whistlestop Summit
- Desert Hills (DS)
- Shy Guy Bazaar (DS)
- Wario Stadium (N64)
- Airship Fortress (DS)
- DK Pass (DS)
- Starview Peak
- Sky-High Sundae (Tour)
- Wario Shipyard (3DS)
- Koopa Troopa Beach (SNES)
- Faraway Oasis
- Peach Stadium
- Moo Moo Meadows (Wii)
- Bowser's Castle
- Salty Salty Speedway
- Toad's Factory
- Peach Beach
- Rainbow Road
- Wario's Galleon
- Boo Cinema
Mario Kart World: FAQs
Is Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch 2 only?
Yes, Mario Kart World is being developed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. It will not be available on the previous console.
Can you pre-order Mario Kart World?
You can now pre-order Mario Kart World in select regions. Currently, it's the UK that's seeing the most Mario kart pre-order pages going live. We'll update once we see it come to the US and other regions. For now, check out our how to pre-order the Switch 2 article for more details.
Does Mario Kart World have splitscreen?
Mario Kart World does indeed have splitscreen. You can also play online, though a Nintendo Online subscription will likely be required.
Mario Kart World news
Nintendo confirms the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers have been 'designed from the ground up' and I couldn't be happier
Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers have been redesigned, hopefully, to avoid potential stick drift.
During an exclusive hands-on preview of the Nintendo Switch 2, TechRadar Gaming asked Technology Development Division general manager Tetsuya Sasaki if any improvements have been made to prevent Joy-Con stick drift.
Sasaki responded, confirming that the new magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers have been completely redesigned for smoother gameplay.
Mario Kart World has been revealed
Mario Kart World has now been officially revealed, and it's a launch title!
Mario Kart World teased
What we now know to be Mario Kart World was first teased during the first look at Nintendo Switch 2 event. We only saw a brief glimpse of gameplay, but it certainly got the internet talking.
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