Mario Kart has long been a staple for family game nights, and Nintendo is taking the series to exciting new heights with Mario Kart World for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This revolutionary entry in the beloved racing series transforms Mario Kart from a simple racing game into an expansive, explorable world that families can enjoy together in multiple ways.
What Makes Mario Kart World Special?
Unlike previous entries, Mario Kart World introduces an open-world design where racers can go beyond the track boundaries and explore interconnected environments. It is very evocative of the Forza Horizons series in all the best ways.
For the first time in the series, Mario Kart World features an interconnected world where you can drive virtually anywhere, including across cities, plains, a desert and even the ocean. This vast playground isn’t just for show – races take place throughout different regions with dynamic weather conditions and a day/night cycle that adds variety to each course.
New Modes and Features
Grand Prix
The classic Grand Prix mode returns with a twist. For the first time in the series, racers will need to drive from one course to the next as part of the Grand Prix! In the Mushroom Cup, for example, you’ll start at Mario Bros. Circuit, then race to Crown City for your next competition. Complete all Cups, and you might unlock a special colorful course!
Knockout Tour
Who would have ever thought that Mario Kart would get a Battle Royale Mode?
Race from one end of the world to the other in these extended rallies, with checkpoints dotted throughout. If you don’t make the cut, you’re out of the running, so buckle up for these non-stop sprints because you’ll need to keep pace to stay in the race. You’ll also need to dodge environmental hazards like vehicles shooting Bullet Bills and attacks from Hammer Bros.
Free Roam
The new Free Roam mode is particularly exciting for families with younger or less competitive children. This mode allows players to:
Explore at their own pace without the pressure of competition Discover hidden areas and surprises throughout the world Collect coins and power-ups in a more relaxed setting Take in-game photos at scenic locations Practice driving skills before jumping into races
There is plenty to discover in Mario Kart World that goes beyond racing. So when you’re not aiming for first place, take the scenic route in Free Roam! Explore panoramic vistas, go (way) off-road, see the seas and find secrets like hidden coins, or hit P Switches to take on hundreds of missions that can help improve your driving skills outside of races. You can also snap in-game photos during your explorations, capturing memorable moments at scenic locations.
Battle Mode
Battle Mode is back and more hectic than ever! Secure the gold by collecting the most coins in Coin Runners or burst your rivals’ balloons with items in Balloon Battle. If you pop all of your rival’s balloons, they are out!
One thing we were very excited to learn is that the Battle Modes don’t appear to just reuse the Grand Prix courses. We’re very excited for that change from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
New Features for Competitive Edge
24-Player Racing
Mario Kart World features races with up to 24 participants from around the world – the most in Mario Kart series history! This massive player count applies to both Grand Prix and Knockout Tour modes, filling the courses with more rivals than ever before.
New Racing Techniques
Leap over obstacles and more with the new Charge Jump move. Use it to jump onto rails that you can grind, dodge attacks from your rivals and even jump toward a wall to ride on it for a short time. You can also chain together wall-rides to uncover hidden routes.
The game also introduces a helpful Rewind feature for those inevitable driving mishaps. Just remember that while you’re rewinding, other racers continue moving normally, so use this feature strategically!
New Items
Mario Kart World introduces several exciting new items:
- Coin Shell: Throws a shell that makes coins appear, gradually increasing speed for whoever collects them
- Ice Flower: Freezes opponents and sends them spinning
- Hammer: Nail rivals or block their path temporarily
- Mega Mushroom: Grow large enough to squash other racers
- Feather: Jump to new heights, potentially discovering shortcuts
- Kamek’s Magic: Transform rivals into something surprising, causing unexpected chaos
Expanded Character Roster
Mario Kart World features the most extensive character selection in series history, with over 50 playable characters reported. Beyond Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, players can choose from delightful newcomers like Goomba, Wiggler, and even a cow named… Cow! (That’s my new main. I don’t care what anyone says. Stephen)
The YouTube trailer and press release specifically mention familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Yoshi, plus newcomers like Goomba, Spike, and yes, a character simply named “Cow.”
A TON of New Courses
Mario Kart World introduces numerous new courses scattered throughout its vast world:
- Mario Bros. Circuit: A classic starting track with ridges and canyon curves
- Crown City: A modern metropolis with soaring Main Street
- Salty Salty Speedway: Features rapid waterways and city canals
- Starview Peak: Snowy trails with breathtaking panoramic views
- Boo Cinema: A ghostly movie theater offering a spooky racing experience
The game also reimagines nostalgic courses from past Mario Kart titles, including Toad’s Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard, all updated to fit seamlessly within the new open world. (We definitely saw a Legend of Zelda logo on paret of the world map, too.)
Family-Friendly Features to Look Forward To
Nintendo continues its tradition of making Mario Kart accessible to players of all skill levels with helpful features like:
- Smart Steering: Helps keep you on the course
- Auto-Accelerate: Maintains speed automatically
- Tilt Controls: Motion control steering for a more immersive experience
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessory: Optional wheel attachment for a realistic driving feel (sold separately)
Free Roam Mode: Perfect for Younger Players
The new Free Roam mode is particularly exciting for families with younger or less competitive children. This mode allows players to:
- Explore at their own pace without the pressure of competition
- Discover hidden areas and surprises throughout the world
- Collect coins and power-ups in a more relaxed setting
- Take in-game photos at scenic locations
- Practice driving skills before jumping into races
This will be perfect for parents wanting to introduce younger children to the game without the frustration that can sometimes come with competitive racing.
Expanded Character Roster
Mario Kart World features the most extensive character selection in series history, with over 50 playable characters reported. Beyond Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, players can choose from delightful newcomers like Goomba, Wiggler, and even a cow named… Cow!
(I call dibs on Cow in my house. Sorry guys. ~ Stephen)
This diverse roster means every family member can find a character that resonates with them, from the classics to the more obscure corners of the Mario universe.
Accessible Racing for All Skill Levels
While the game introduces new mechanics like rail grinding (reminiscent of Sonic games), Nintendo appears to have maintained the approachable nature that makes Mario Kart perfect for family play.
Multiplayer Options
Mario Kart World offers multiple ways to play together, locally or online. Up to four players can race split screen on the same system. The game also supports local wireless play where up to eight players (with up to two players per Nintendo Switch 2 system) can race together.
Online play supports up to 24 players racing or battling simultaneously. The game includes new social features like GameChat, which allows voice communication through the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone, and CameraPlay, which displays player reactions when using the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory (sold separately).
A Delicious Extra Touch
Make a pit stop at Yoshi’s for a local delight: Dash Food! These to-go orders will give you a speed boost and sometimes also unlock outfits that you can select from the character selection screen.
These drive-thru stops are scattered throughout the world, serving up all sorts of dishes dishes that each unlock unique character outfits.
Age Recommendations and Family Considerations
While Nintendo hasn’t released an official ESRB rating yet, Mario Kart games typically receive an E (Everyone) rating, making them appropriate for all ages. Based on the information available, we anticipate Mario Kart World will maintain this family-friendly approach.
Potential Challenges for Younger Players
Some elements parents might want to be aware of:
- Knockout Tour mode may be frustrating for younger players who don’t qualify for checkpoints
- The larger 24-player races could feel chaotic for inexperienced racers
- Rail grinding and new mechanics might have a learning curve
Recommendations for Family Play
To make Mario Kart World enjoyable for everyone:
- Start with Free Roam mode to let younger players get comfortable with controls
- Practice Grand Prix races before attempting the more competitive Knockout Tour
- Take turns choosing characters and courses to ensure everyone feels included
When Can Your Family Start Racing?
Mario Kart World launches alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. Nintendo will reveal more details during a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct presentation on April 17, which might provide more insight into family-friendly features.
The Bottom Line for Families
Mario Kart World appears to be evolving the series in exciting ways while maintaining the pick-up-and-play nature that has made it a family gaming staple. The addition of Free Roam exploration opens up new possibilities for casual players, while the expanded competitive options will satisfy those seeking more challenge.
For families that enjoyed previous Mario Kart games, World looks to be a compelling reason to consider the Nintendo Switch 2. Its blend of racing and exploration could provide countless hours of family bonding, whether you’re competing against each other or working together to discover secrets in the new open world.
As we learn more about Mario Kart World in the coming months, we’ll update with additional details about features, accessibility options, and family gaming recommendations. Stay tuned to Engaged Family Gaming for complete coverage as we approach the June 5 release date!
What Mario Kart memories does your family share? Are you excited to explore the open world of Mario Kart World together? Let us know in the comments below!
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