This morning, Nintendo thrilled fans with the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, finally shedding light on its new console’s features, operations, and an exciting array of games that will accompany its release and follow soon after. Front and center in this lineup is Mario Kart World, a vibrant new installment in the beloved Mario Kart series, making its entrance as a launch title for the console. Although the curtain will fully lift on April 17 with another Direct, today’s trailer has already given us a generous glimpse into the game’s thrilling new offerings. Among the standout features are the Knockout Tour, customizable characters, and a long-desired element that has enthusiasts buzzing.
Mario Kart World is setting a new standard, surpassing its predecessor with a diverse roster of characters, including the delightful cow from Moo Moo Meadows racetrack, which has already captured fans’ imaginations online. The game supports 24 racers—more than any other in the series—and allows for personal customization of both characters and karts. But the real showstopper? Players can now venture beyond the track’s edge and explore “virtually anywhere,” transforming the game into an open-world experience.
For many fans, the introduction of an open-world element to Mario Kart is nothing short of a dream realized. Traditionally, players would stick to tracks and tournaments, but now, they can embrace the Free Roam mode fully. This innovation marks the first in the series that genuinely lets players breach the boundaries, venturing beyond mere hidden shortcuts. Players can even grind along railways and run on walls, broadening the gameplay like never before.
The Free Roam mode pairs seamlessly with the advanced features and graphics of the Nintendo Switch 2, promising memorable experiences either solo or with friends. Thanks to the improved graphical performance of the console, the game promises smooth, high-frame-rate gameplay across all modes. Additionally, the console’s new group chat, operated with the C button, enhances the social gaming experience, especially in Free Roam mode.
Even participants in the Grand Prix races will feel the openness of the world as they drive through each connected course, weaving through different tracks as they progress. This interconnectedness allows for a truly exploratory adventure, from one racing point to another. Furthermore, in Knockout Tour mode, players face the ultimate challenge as they speed across various tracks in an ever-enduring race—unless they get knocked out first, of course.
This innovative step marks a turning point, likened to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s impact when it first launched as an open-world title for the Nintendo Switch. In much the same way, Mario Kart World is geared up to be a grand inaugural title for the new Nintendo Switch 2. Whether there will be hidden rewards or character unlocks through exploration in Free Roam is still under wraps, but such incentives would certainly enhance engagement. For now, the anticipation builds toward the detailed showcase on April 17.
