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Mario Kart World is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, released on June 5, 2025. Its defining change is a connected world where routes between courses become part of the race, alongside fields of up to 24 drivers, the elimination mode Knockout Tour, and an exploration-focused Free Roam mode.
Is Mario Kart World available on the original Nintendo Switch?
No. Nintendo lists Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2, and describes it as available only on that system. The original Nintendo Switch is not a supported platform. Nintendo’s product listing gives the release date as June 5, 2025.
What is new in Mario Kart World?
Courses connect across a world
Instead of treating each course as an isolated selection, the game links locations with roads and routes. In Grand Prix, the driving between course sections is part of the competition. Nintendo describes environments spanning cities, plains, deserts, mountains, and ocean, with changing weather and a day-and-night cycle. The Mario Kart World Direct introduced the expanded world and its features.
More ways to move through the environment
Nintendo highlights rail riding, wall riding, and skimming over water as ways to navigate, seek out secrets, and find shortcuts. These are described as movement features, rather than a guarantee that every route or surface can be used in every race.
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- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
Up to 24 drivers
Nintendo says Grand Prix and Knockout Tour can feature up to 24 drivers, the maximum it cited for the series at announcement. That larger field supports the game’s broad routes and the elimination format. The same maximum is listed for online play on the official store page.
How does Knockout Tour work?
Knockout Tour strings course sections together into an elimination race. Drivers pass checkpoints along the route; those outside the qualifying positions are knocked out, and the remaining racers continue toward the finish. Nintendo describes the mode as starting with 24 racers and narrowing the field at successive checkpoints. See Nintendo’s Direct overview for its announcement details.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
What is Free Roam?
Free Roam lets players drive around the connected world outside a conventional race, explore locations, and discover surprises. Nintendo says players can explore alone or meet up with friends online; its launch-day feature explainer also describes hundreds of solo missions.
Which modes and multiplayer options are included?
Nintendo lists Grand Prix, VS Races, Time Trials, and Battle modes, including Balloon Battle and Coin Runners. Supported play modes for the game include TV, tabletop, and handheld. The listed player counts vary by setup:
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- [SEAMLESS OPEN WORLD] Experience an interconnected racing environment with zero loading screens between courses. Navigate a massive world featuring 24-hour dynamic day/night cycles and shifting weather patterns that directly impact vehicle traction and handling across mountains and cities.
- [ADVANCED RACING MECHANICS] Master all-new maneuvers including high-speed rail riding, wall jumping, and tactical water skimming. These next-gen traversal abilities allow players to discover hidden shortcuts and alternate routes within a 100% seamless world-map architecture.
- [24-PLAYER ELIMINATION MODE] Compete in the high-stakes Knockout Tour, an adrenaline-packed 24-driver elimination mode where racers are removed checkpoint by checkpoint. Supports up to 24-player online multiplayer with integrated GameChat for real-time social coordination.
- [NEXT-GEN TECHNICAL SPECS] Optimized exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system to deliver stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution in docked mode and a locked 60FPS frame rate. Features enhanced texture mapping and global illumination for the most immersive visual experience in series history.
- [OPEN-WORLD EXPLORATION] Step away from the Grand Prix in the all-new Free Roam mode to wander the world at your own pace. Discover hidden surprises, unlockable vehicle parts, and brand-new drivers across diverse biomes including dense forests and sprawling urban landscapes.
| Setup | Players |
|---|---|
| Single system | 1–4 |
| Local wireless | 1–8 |
| Online | 1–24 |
Some online features require an internet connection, a Nintendo Account, and a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo’s store listing provides the supported modes and online details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release and purchase details
The game launched June 5, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo’s US launch-day article listed a $79.99 suggested retail price at launch; that is historical US launch pricing, not a current price quote. Current retailer pricing and stock are not established here. Nintendo’s launch-day article contains the dated price information.
Rank #4
![Mario Kart World Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zaiyfzDeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
Nintendo Japan’s launch notice identifies the Joy-Con 2 wheel set as an accessory usable with the game, not a requirement. See the Nintendo Japan notice for that accessory reference.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A variety of playable characters are available, some with unique attributes that affect gameplay and platforming physics.
- Younger and less-experienced players will love playing as Toadette, who is brand new to both games, and Nabbit, who was formerly only playable in New Super Luigi U. Both characters offer extra assistance during play.
- Multiplayer sessions are even more fun, frantic, and exciting thanks to entertaining character interactions. Need a boost? Try jumping off a teammate’s head or getting a teammate to throw you.
- Features a wealth of help features, like a Hints gallery, reference videos, and a Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U that can complete levels for you if they’re giving you trouble.
- Three additional modes—Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle—mix up gameplay and add replayability, while also upping the difficulty for players who want to try something harder. Players can use their Mii characters in these modes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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