Nintendo's latest gaming console, the Switch 2, is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and it will be accompanied by the highly anticipated game, Mario Kart World. This new installment in the beloved racing franchise was officially revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025, and it promises to introduce several groundbreaking features that redefine the Mario Kart experience.
Mario Kart World is being marketed as an open-world racing game reminiscent of Forza Horizon, allowing players to explore vast interconnected tracks across a massive map. The game will feature fields of 24 racers competing in various regions, with a price tag of $79.99. However, players can get the game for less if they pre-order it as part of a Switch 2 bundle priced at $499.99.
One of the most exciting aspects of Mario Kart World is its ability to allow players to drive virtually anywhere on the course, breaking away from the traditional racing structure. This includes a new mode called Knockout Tour, which introduces a battle royale-style variant where players race across the open world to checkpoints, getting knocked out if they fall below a certain placement.
The game boasts a plethora of new features, including customizable characters, dynamic weather conditions, and a photo mode that captures the essence of each race. Players can also expect to see returning favorites like Mario, Bowser, and Luigi, alongside some unexpected characters, such as a playable cow from Moo Moo Meadows.
During the Nintendo Direct, the trailer showcased a variety of new courses, including a desert-themed track featuring Yoshi's Diner, a course with canals and jet skis, and a jungle-themed area with a giant Question Block. The game also introduces snowmobile karts and other unique vehicles, expanding the variety of gameplay options.
Historically, the Mario Kart series has been a significant part of Nintendo's success, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe selling nearly 67 million copies since its release in 2014. This new title aims to build on that legacy by offering a fresh take on the franchise while retaining the charm and fun that fans have come to expect.
In addition to Mario Kart World, the Nintendo Direct revealed other titles set to launch with the Switch 2, including a new James Bond game titled Project 007, and two more exclusives featuring iconic Nintendo characters: Donkey Kong Bananza, scheduled for July 17, 2025, and Kirby Air Riders, coming later in the year.
The Switch 2 itself has received a significant upgrade, featuring a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports 1080p resolution and can display 4K when docked. The new console will also introduce interactive chat and screenshare functions through a new “C” button on its Joy-Con controllers, which will require a subscription to Nintendo's Switch Online service.
As Nintendo prepares for the launch of the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World, the company is also planning to host “Switch 2 Experience” events in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris, allowing gamers to get hands-on experience with the new system.
Joost van Dreunen, a games industry researcher, noted that the price increase of the Switch 2, which is set at $449.99, is partly due to tariffs impacting the gaming console industry. He explained, “At the beginning of a new hardware cycle, all of a sudden we’re looking at this price hike. I had originally predicted that the Switch 2 would be $400. Now it’s announced that it’s $450. That $50 difference is a Trump tax.”
As anticipation builds for Mario Kart World, industry experts are eager to see how this new installment will continue the legacy of its predecessors. The game is expected to be a significant step forward for the franchise, blending familiar elements with innovative gameplay mechanics.
With a dedicated Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 17, 2025, fans can expect to learn more about Mario Kart World and its features, as well as additional details about the Switch 2. Nintendo's commitment to evolving its flagship series while maintaining the essence of what makes Mario Kart so beloved is sure to keep fans excited as the launch date approaches.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World, it’s clear that Nintendo is once again poised to make a significant impact in the gaming industry, continuing to innovate while honoring the legacy of its iconic franchises.
