| Mario Kart World | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Mario Kart World was announced at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in April 2025! Read on to learn how it plays, what it's about, and everything else we know so far.
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Mario Kart World Gameplay
Mario Kart World introduces significant gameplay innovations to the long-standing kart racing franchise, most notably through its expansive open-world design. Unlike previous entries, the game features a vast, interconnected map that seamlessly links various race tracks. Players can freely navigate this environment and transition between courses without loading screens.
New gameplay mechanics include rail grinding, wall jumping, and the use of boats and snowmobiles. There will also be dynamic weather and time-of-day systems that influence visibility and vehicle handling.
The Grand Prix mode has been reimagined to align with the open-world structure. Instead of selecting isolated tracks, players embark on a rally across four connected courses, with the segments between races forming part of the competition, as players can potentially discover shortcuts or items that can provide advantages for subsequent events.
Knockout Tour mode introduces an elimination-style format. In this mode, 24 racers compete in an extended race spanning the game’s world, with the last four racers eliminated at each of six checkpoints.
Traditional modes such as Time Trials and Battle Mode return, with Battle Mode encompassing Balloon Battle and Coin Runners. In these modes, players combat other racers with the aim to pop their opponents’ balloons or collect the most coins within a time limit.
There is also a Free Roam mode that offers a non-competitive experience, where players can just explore the open world at their own pace. This mode includes missions, hidden collectibles, and a photo mode for players and their friends to take pictures with.
Local co-op is limited to 4 players, but online multiplayer supports up to 24 players and features modes like Race, Knockout Tour, and Battle. The game also includes GameChat and webcam support for friends and opponents alike to communicate during online sessions.
Mario Kart World Story
Mario Kart games do not feature traditional story modes, and it remains unknown if Mario Kart World will follow suit. However, players can engage in the Grand Prix mode, a staple of the series where participants compete in a series of races across various tracks to accumulate points and achieve the highest overall ranking. Unlike previous titles, tracks in the Grand Prix mode now flow seamlessly into one another.
Mario Kart World Characters
The character roster in Mario Kart World is notably expansive and will feature both classic and new characters from the Mario universe. There are currently 50 confirmed characters. These are the following:
Returning Characters
⚫︎ Mario
⚫︎ Luigi
⚫︎ Peach
⚫︎ Daisy
⚫︎ Rosalina
⚫︎ Donkey Kong
⚫︎ Yoshi
⚫︎ Toad
⚫︎ Toadette
⚫︎ Wario
⚫︎ Waluigi
⚫︎ Pauline
⚫︎ Baby Mario
⚫︎ Baby Luigi
⚫︎ Baby Peach
⚫︎ Baby Daisy
⚫︎ Baby Rosalina
⚫︎ Bowser
⚫︎ Bowser Jr.
⚫︎ King Boo
⚫︎ Dry Bones
⚫︎ Koopa Troopa
⚫︎ Lakitu
⚫︎ Shy Guy
⚫︎ Birdo
⚫︎ Chargin’ Chuck
⚫︎ Nabbit
⚫︎ Monty Mole
⚫︎ Hammer Bro
⚫︎ Wiggler
New and Unconventional Additions
⚫︎ Goomba
⚫︎ Piranha Plant
⚫︎ Pianta
⚫︎ Penguin
⚫︎ Moo Moo (Cow)
⚫︎ Snowman
⚫︎ Cataquack
⚫︎ Fish Bone
⚫︎ Dolphin
⚫︎ Peepa (Ghost)
⚫︎ Pokey
⚫︎ Rocky Wrench
⚫︎ Sidestepper
⚫︎ Spike
⚫︎ Stingby (Bee)
⚫︎ Swoop
⚫︎ Cheep cheep
⚫︎ Coin Coffer
⚫︎ Conkdor
⚫︎ Para-Biddybud
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