Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct live updates — all the latest news on the Switch 2 exclusive launch title as it happens

Mario Kart World Revealed: Here's All That You Can Expect from Nintendo Switch 2's Exclusive Launch Game

Nintendo has once again shown its strength in the gaming universe; this time, the company is offering an experience unlike any other. During the most recent Nintendo Direct presentation, the company revealed the details of Mario Kart World, the premiere title that will be launched together with the highly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.

The excitement over this innovation is genuine, and fans are calling it a "game-changer" on multiple levels. This article provides all the information you require on the largest Mario Kart makeover to date.

A Global Playground: Open-World Racing

Never mind the cup-based structure you're used to. Mario Kart World introduces a fully open-world racing mode. Indeed, players now have the chance to enjoy a vast, unified world composed of racing, exploring, and surprise features.

This is no longer about simply crossing the finish line. From navigating through winding canyons to leaping off volcanoes, getting from one race to another is now as enjoyable as the race itself.

New Mechanics: Charge Jumps and Rewinds

Nintendo is introducing a new twist (pun intended) to gaming:

- Charge Jump: Press and hold the drift button to build up power and release to perform a massive air jump over obstacles, enemies, or shortcuts. Timing is everything. - Rewind Feature: You'll be able to rewind your kart's position in free-roam and single player — perfect for retrying botched tricks, nailing the perfect shortcut, or reversing that banana misstep.

These elements add an additional layer of strategy and usability, and thereby complicate the experience for both inexperienced gamers and veteran racers.

A Tracklist and Roster to Aspire Towards

MKW is generating buzz with its characters and songs. The game boasts over 40 playable characters, both well-known favorites and a few surprises, each of whom has unlockable costumes and special visual styles.

And the tracks? Buckle up for a killer mix of old and new:

- New Additions: Mario Bros Circuit, Crown City, and Salty Salty Speedway.

Classics Reimagined: Peach Beach, Wario Shipyard, and a stunning new iteration of Rainbow Road.

Actually, the secret Rainbow Road is only unlocked after the completion of all Grand Prix cups. Are you up for the challenge? Switch 2 and What to Expect. Nintendo Switch 2, releasing on June 5, 2025, will begin at $450, with Mario Kart World costing $80. The pair is meant to be, as the game is supposed to utilize the improved performance, load times, and haptic feedback of the new hardware. Heads up: pre-orders are temporarily on hold in the U.S. and Canada due to tariff-induced delays. Nintendo assures that this is a temporary delay, so stay tuned for updates. Final Lap: Why This Matters Mario Kart World isn't a sequel - it's a statement. Nintendo is doubling down on innovation, creativity, and fan engagement. It's new, it's bold, and it's promising for competitive players, explorers, and casual kart fans. So strap in. The racing of tomorrow isn't high-speed — it's open-world.