Mario Kart World: A Sneak Peek at All the Ways to Play

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Nintendo’s latest Direct served up fresh details on Mario Kart World, the upcoming Switch 2 racer promising both familiar thrills and bold new twists. Whether you’re chasing cup championships, outlasting opponents, or simply exploring, here’s what to expect when the game drops June 5, 2025.

Four Core Modes, Countless Adventures

  • Grand Prix
    The classic cup format returns, pitting you against three fellow racers across four tracks per cup, with points awarded based on your finish. Perfect for anyone who loves the tried‑and‑true Mario Kart challenge.
  • Knockout Tour
    Think elimination meets thrill ride: after each checkpoint, the racer in last place is sent packing until only one champ remains. It’s high‑stakes racing from start to finish.
  • Free Roam
    Finally, an open‑world Mario Kart—drive wherever you like, from coastal cliffs to neon city streets, hunting down secrets, hidden shortcuts, and surprise events at your own pace.
  • Battle Mode
    More than just balloons and coins: alongside Balloon Battle, Coin Runners, and Time Trials, you’ll find standard VS Races and team‑based showdowns, all reimagined in Mario Kart World’s sprawling environments.

Bigger Roster, Smarter Items, More Players

Mario Kart World brings back nearly every racer from Mario Kart 8 and sprinkles in fan‑favorites turned playable like Goomba and Spike. New items—hello, Coin Shell and Ice Flower—add tactical depth, while races now support up to 24 players online, four‑player split‑screen locally, and eight‑player wireless sessions.

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The Price Tag and What’s Next

At $80, Mario Kart World sits above typical AAA titles, but Nintendo argues the game’s ambitious open world, expanded player count, and post‑launch roadmap justify the cost. Whether fans will agree remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: come June 5, the tracks will be packed.

Nintendo has announced a series of post-launch updates for Mario Kart World, including new tracks, characters, and seasonal events planned throughout 2025 and 2026. Additionally, a special edition Switch 2 console bundle featuring exclusive Mario Kart-themed Joy-Cons and a digital copy of the game will be available for pre-order starting next month.

Excited for Mario Kart?

Grand Prix
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Knockout Tour
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Free Roam
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Battle Mode
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GameHunt
4 months ago

Mario Kart World sounds like a thrilling evolution of the series! With its new modes, expanded roster, and the introduction of an open world, it seems like there’s something exciting for every type of player. Can’t wait to see how the new items and larger online races will change the dynamic of the game.