Nintendo Reveals Exciting New Mario Kart World for Switch 2 Launch

REDMOND, Wash. — Nintendo unveiled its much-anticipated new title, Mario Kart World, during today’s Nintendo Direct focused on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Set for launch on June 5, 2025, the game promises an expansive gameplay experience, allowing players to travel off-road in a vast, open-world environment.

The dynamic trailer showcased a flurry of returning characters, new tracks, and innovative features like jet skis on water, rail grinding, and customizable outfits, including the ability to don unique hats. Fans were particularly excited to see that players can navigate the game as the Moo Moo Meadows cow. The latest installment will support 24 racers, the largest roster in the history of the franchise.

The standout feature of Mario Kart World is its open-world design, which allows players to traverse various terrains and navigate through different regions between races during the four-course Grand Prix. Nintendo emphasizes that this approach is a significant evolution for the franchise, moving beyond the classic racetrack confines.

“With Mario Kart World, we’re excited to bring a new level of exploration and freedom to our players,” said Doug Bowser, president and COO of Nintendo of America. “This title builds on the success of our previous games while introducing fresh elements that will appeal to both veterans and newcomers.”

Mario Kart 8, which debuted in 2014 on the Wii U and was later re-released as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch, has sold nearly 65 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. The new title seeks to create its own legacy, departing from the long-standing success of its predecessor.

In addition to Mario Kart World, the Nintendo Direct revealed extensive features of the Switch 2 console, including larger detachable controllers, enhanced graphics, and support for 4K resolution. The console will have 256 gigabytes of storage, eight times more than the original Nintendo Switch, and will feature new game cartridges that support faster data reading.

“The Nintendo Switch 2 is designed to push the boundaries of gameplay with its innovative hardware and software capabilities,” a Nintendo representative stated during the live event.

Further details about Mario Kart World will be shared in a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation scheduled for April 17, 2025. Fans can look forward to learning more about this exciting title before its official release.