The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Nintendo revealed Mario Kart World as a Nintendo Switch 2 launch game on April 17, 2025. The game launched exclusively for Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, the same day the console went on sale.
What Nintendo announced
During its April 17, 2025 Mario Kart World Direct, Nintendo announced that the game would launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. Nintendo confirmed on launch day that both the game and console were available. Nintendo’s April 17 announcement and June 5 launch announcement establish the distinction: April was the reveal; June was the release.
What was new about Mario Kart World?
Nintendo presented the game’s central idea as an interconnected world where roads link courses and players can drive across environments including cities, plains, desert and ocean. The company called it a series-first. Rather than moving only between isolated tracks, the world itself serves as the connective setting for racing and exploration.
Modes at launch
- Grand Prix: The traditional cup-racing format.
- Knockout Tour: A mode Nintendo highlighted alongside Grand Prix, built around eliminating racers as they progress.
- Free Roam: An option to explore the interconnected world outside a standard race.
- Battle: The series’ competitive battle mode.
Nintendo described the world as a “vast interconnected playground” in its launch-day announcement.
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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
Can you play Mario Kart World on the original Switch?
No. Nintendo lists Mario Kart World as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, and the game requires that system. It is not a Nintendo Switch 1 edition. Nintendo’s U.S. product listing identifies the physical game as a Nintendo Switch 2 edition.
How many people can play?
Nintendo lists races for up to 24 drivers. The U.S. product listing gives these player counts by play method:
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
| Play method | Players |
|---|---|
| Single system | 1–4 |
| Local wireless | 1–8 |
| Online | 1–24 |
Online features require internet access, a Nintendo Account and a Nintendo Switch Online membership, according to Nintendo’s U.S. listing.
Physical edition and launch pricing
Nintendo listed a physical Nintendo Switch 2 edition, as well as a digital version included in the launch bundle. The figures below are U.S. suggested retail prices announced for launch on June 5, 2025; they are historical launch prices, not a statement of current retail pricing.
Rank #3
- [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.
| Launch product | U.S. suggested retail price at launch |
|---|---|
| Mario Kart World game | $79.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 system | $449.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle, including a digital version of the game | $499.99 |
These prices were stated in Nintendo’s June 5, 2025 launch announcement. Check Nintendo or a retailer for current pricing and availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Optional CameraPlay accessory
Nintendo says a compatible USB-C camera, sold separately, is required for CameraPlay video features. A camera is not identified as a requirement for playing the game itself. Nintendo’s product listing does not establish a model-specific recommendation, so check current compatibility details before buying a camera.
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.
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
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.
