Here’s everything you need to know about the April Mario Kart World Direct

Mario Kart World’s exclusive Direct was held this morning, and while it didn’t give us a ton of new information, we got a closer look at the game and were able to confirm a few things in the 15 minute presentation! 

 

Tracks

 

We got confirmation on some of the returning tracks, as well as official names for brand-new tracks! Shown off in the Direct were the following:

 

• Mario Bros. Circuit
• Crown City
• Salty Salty Speedway
• Starview Peak
• Boo Cinema
• Toad’s Factory (Wii)
• Peach Beach (GCN)
• Wario Shipyard (3DS)

 

 

This is in addition to previously confirmed tracks, which we went over here. Each retro track has been transformed to fit into this new world, with new tricks and turns all while keeping the original charm. We have also received confirmation that Rainbow Road WILL be in this game (shocker!), and will have to be unlocked by beating all grand prix cups. 

 

Map

 

Mario Kart World has changed up the game by having a massive open world as the setting. Every track is set within a massive continent, with the ability to drive virtually anywhere. (For more about that, check out our article about Free Roam when you have a chance!) This time around, for Grand Prixs you’ll have to drive yourself across the land to your next race, meaning you won’t have a second to rest if you want to be number one. The continent looks to be split up into different areas, with a desert, beach, volcano, ice and jungle area, amongst others. 

 

 

Modes

 

We already knew about Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, but today we received confirmation on VS Mode, Time Trials, and Battle Mode! In VS Mode, you’ll be able to change between the traditional three laps per track or the new Grand Prix mode where you travel to the next track. What’s interesting is if you choose to travel to the next track, you can essentially make your own cup as you’ll have options to choose from, unlocking new paths you didn’t know were available. 

 

 

In Time Trials, you’re once again racing alone, with the goal of getting the fastest time possible. By connecting online, you’re able to download ghosts to race against, but they won’t be easy to beat. You’ll have to truly master all the new gimmicks if you want a chance at the top. 

Battle Mode returns! Spread across the world are arenas for these battle modes, so far we’ve seen Balloon Battle and Coin Runners. Arenas from previous games will be returning, as we saw Big Donut from Mario Kart 64! In fact, if you look at the map, you can see the arena near the Bowser’s Castle track in the top left. 

 

Items

 

World will feature new items, as well as the return of a fan favorite! Here are the new and returning items, along with a brief explanation on their powers. 

 

• Coin Shell: A shell that leaves coins in its path, from the trailer it seems to follow the middle path of the track. 
• Ice Flower: Similar to the Fire Flower, you’ll be able to freeze your opponents if they’re hit with an ice ball. 
• Hammer: Gives you the ability to throw hammers in an arc. Hammers will stay on the track for a brief moment. 
• Kamek: This mysterious new item transforms your rivals into other characters! During the Direct, all other racers turned into Chargin’ Chucks, but it was teased that there’s more to this power-up. 
• Mega Mushroom: Its first mainline appearance since Mario Kart Wii, the Mega Mushroom returns to demolish anyone in your way! You’ll become huge for a limited time, allowing you to run over other racers. 
• Feather: This item appeared in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as a Battle Mode exclusive item, now available during races! The Feather allows you to jump over obstacles, as well as allowing you to reach new areas and paths.  

 

Characters

 

Mario Kart World is bringing brand-new characters into the mix, including… a cow? That’s right, you’ll be able to race as various enemies and friends from across the Mario games! Here’s a few that we’ve seen so far:

 

• Cow
• Goomba
• Dolphin
• Baby Rosalina
• Spike
• Sidestepper
• Nabbit
• Coin Coffer
• Hammer Bro
• Piranha Plant
• Conkdor
• Chargin’ Chuck
• Snowman
• Cheep Cheep
• Rocky Wrench
• Monty Mole
• Fish Bone
• Penguin
• Para-Biddybud
• Stingy
• Pokey
• Cataquack
• Peepa
• Pianta
• Swoop

 

Check out the list of confirmed 50 playable characters here!

 

 

Dash Food

 

Along with new characters, there will also be new outfits available! One way to unlock these outfits is by consuming Dash Food items spread across tracks. By eating these items, you’ll unlock an outfit based on that area/food. For example, Peach ate a sushi Dash Food item and had a Yukata outfit unlocked. Once you’ve obtained these special outfits, they are available to be used permanently on the character select screen. 

 

New Tricks/Techniques

 

Rails and walls are going to be HUGE for Mario Kart World, but we have a new mechanic unveiled! Charge Jump will allow a player to charge up energy and jump into the air, potentially avoiding obstacles or even allowing them to reach a new area. Players can do a charge jump by holding the drift button while driving straight forward. Once your wheels turn blue, you can release the drift button to jump! Charge jump into a wall and you’ll be able to wall ride for a brief period. 

Another mechanic shown off is the Rewind, allowing you to turn back time and return your cart to a previous point. This may be useful if you happen to miss a jump or turn, but beware! The other racers will continue on as if nothing happened, so use the Rewind wisely. 

 

Free Roam

 

Free Roam allows you to travel across this vast land with no limits! Almost nothing is off limits, so you can explore to your heart’s content. However, there is a lot to do in Free Roam besides just exploring. 

It looks like Missions will return for the first time since Mario Kart DS! You’ll find P-Switches around the world, which will activate a mission.These missions are designed to improve your skills. According to Nintendo, there are hundreds of switches scattered around. There are also medallions and panels hidden, however their purpose is yet to be revealed. 

 

 

Again, for more about Free Roam, make sure to check out our full article.

 

Photos

In Free Roam, you’re able to stop time and take photos anywhere! You’ll be able to change your character’s pose, expression, the way they face, as well as frames and angles. 

 

Multiplayer

 

You’re able to play with other racers, with up to four players on a single system or up to eight players on Wireless Play! VS Mode, Battle Mode and Free Roam are available for online play. You’ll be able to meet up with friends anywhere on the map, being able to start a game no matter where you are. Photos are also available to use for Multiplayer! 

GameChat will be available for Mario Kart World, using the built-in microphone on the Switch 2 to let you and friends speak to one another as you play! If you purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, your friends will be able to see your reactions in real time and vice versa. The camera is also able to be used with up to 4 players locally, by detecting all 4 different players and displaying their live feed about their character. 

 

 

This is shaping up to be Mario Kart’s most ambitious entry yet. While we didn’t learn too much that we didn’t already know, there was still a good amount of information from this Direct. As of now, pre-orders in the United States have still not gone live for the Switch 2 itself. Mario Kart World will be bundled with the Switch 2 at a retail price of $499.99, and the launch date of June 5th has remained untouched. Hopefully we can get some answers from Nintendo soon about a set date to pre-order, but with the uncertainty in the air right now, we might not get an answer for a few more weeks. 

Mario Kart World launches on June 5th, 2025 and will retail for $79.99. 

 

Miss the Direct? Check it out here!

 

 

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