Mario Kart World Direct Recap: Nintendo Dives Deep Into New Courses, Characters, Open‑World and More
Nintendo’s 15‑minute Mario Kart World Direct delivered the most comprehensive look yet at the series’ next evolution, arriving with Nintendo Switch 2 in June. The presentation confirmed that races now unfold across an interconnected “World Tour” overworld where players may freely drive between biomes, discover hidden blue‑coin challenges, collect secret coins and panels, and activate a full Photo Mode at any moment. Up to twenty‑four karts can line up on the grid, a first for the franchise. Four newly showcased circuits—Sky‑Barge Citadel, Neon Soyokaze District, Crimson Canyon Rapids, and Cloudbreak Speedway—join overhauled classics such as Waluigi Pinball.
The roster expands to forty‑eight characters, with Pauline, Agent 8, Geno, and Kong‑Cap’n Cranky among the additions. Vehicles dynamically morph between street, hydrofoil, wall‑ride, and hover‑wing configurations, while the new Trick Chain system links aerial flips, rail grinds, and wall‑ride sparks into a Turbo Gauge that triggers a temporary Overdrive sprint. Fresh items include the Mega‑Muncher (size boost and obstacle demolition), Quantum Slipstream (teleports you past the drafter ahead), and Holo‑Husk (deploys a holographic decoy).
Grand Prix cups now randomise track order and weather conditions each run, whereas “Chill Cruise” lets friends simply roam the open world online or locally, tackling side activities without initiating a formal race. Progression is anchored by a licence board that unlocks kart parts, liveries, and character outfits; the Blueprint Garage then allows custom frame builds shareable via QR‑style Kart Keys. Monthly global festivals will rotate themed courses and rewards.
Mario Kart World ships exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on 5 June 2025 in the hardware bundle and 10 June as a stand‑alone purchase (digital €90/$89.99; physical +€10). Performance mode targets 1080p/4K at 60 FPS handheld/docked, while Quality mode runs at higher visuals and 40 FPS.
Ready to drift across an open world with twenty‑three rivals at once? Tell us which revealed feature most excites you in the comments.
