Ready, set, race! Nintendo Switch 2 introduces Mario Kart World, an exclusive driving competition, accessible solely on the Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Mario Kart World, the latest instalment in the iconic racing series, has arrived on the Nintendo Switch 2, bringing a host of exciting new features and modes that significantly enhance the gaming experience.
### New Features
The game introduces several improvements designed to make it more accessible and engaging for players. The number of racers in a single race has been doubled to 24, creating larger, more chaotic races. Additionally, defensive items like red shells, green shells, and bananas are now automatically held behind the driver, eliminating the need to hold down a button to activate this defence.
New driving techniques such as rail grinding, wall riding, and charge jump have been introduced. Rail grinding allows players to perform tricks for speed boosts, while wall riding enables drivers to discover new paths, evade attacks, and change racing lines. The charge jump move, when executed correctly, provides a speed boost on landing, with the ability to charge it up to rainbow sparks for a longer boost duration.
Vehicles in Mario Kart World have also undergone significant adaptations. They now feature retractable wings and wheels that transform into water skis when crossing water, allowing them to float on the surface, reminiscent of a *Diddy Kong Racing* style.
### Enhanced Graphics and Frame Rate
Thanks to the powerful hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2, racing is smoother with improved frame rates and exceptional visuals.
### New Modes
Mario Kart World offers several new modes to keep players entertained. Knockout Tour is a brand new mode where players race across multiple tracks continuously in one long race. At each checkpoint, the last player or players are eliminated, adding high stakes to the race progression.
Free Roam Mode allows players to explore the game world freely outside of regular races, giving them the opportunity to try out new moves such as rail riding, wall riding, and water skimming.
The Grand Prix mode now features transitions between tracks in a connected world, enhancing immersion beyond isolated race tracks.
### Other Notes
Underwater driving and anti-gravity features from previous entries have been removed, replaced by the new vehicle mechanics mentioned above. The game features a mix of upgraded classic tracks and new courses with varied environments like paved roads, deserts, and ocean waves. A significant art style update gives characters a look resembling 2D animation.
Assistive features like Smart Steering, Auto-Accelerate, and Auto-Use Item are available to help less experienced players. GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership until March 31, 2026, but a membership will be required for online features after this date.
Mario Kart World is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system and supports up to 24 players in multiplayer mode. Local wireless play is supported with multiple systems and games, and internet access is required for online features, including GameChat. Players can play with friends on a single Nintendo Switch 2 system.
[1] Source: Nintendo Press Release [2] Source: IGN (https://www.ign.com/articles/mario-kart-world-revealed-for-nintendo-switch-2) [3] Source: GameSpot (https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-world-announced-for-nintendo-switch-2/1100-6491931/) [4] Source: Polygon (https://www.polygon.com/2023/3/1/22946687/mario-kart-world-nintendo-switch-2-release-date-trailer)
- The latest edition of Mario Kart, Mario Kart World, is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2 and features support for up to 24 players in multiplayer mode.
- Accessories like retractable wings and wheels in the vehicles of Mario Kart World transform them into water skis when crossing water, evoking memories of games like Diddy Kong Racing.
- A new mode called Free Roam Mode lets players explore the game world freely outside of regular races, allowing them to practice new techniques like rail riding and water skimming.
- The enhanced graphics and frame rates on the Nintendo Switch 2 now deliver smoother racing and exceptional visuals in Mario Kart World.
- The new racing mode, Knockout Tour, is a continuous race across multiple tracks where players are eliminated at each checkpoint, adding a high-stakes element to the gameplay.
