Nintendo revealed Mario Kart World as a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title. The game launched on June 5, 2025, and its defining change is a connected world where roads link race courses. Players can compete in Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, or leave the races behind to explore in Free Roam.
When did Mario Kart World come out?
Mario Kart World launched on June 5, 2025, alongside Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo announced it as a Switch 2 exclusive in its April 17, 2025 Direct and confirmed its release in its June 5, 2025 launch announcement. It is not available as a Nintendo Switch game.
What makes Mario Kart World different?
Instead of treating each course as an isolated destination, the game places its tracks within an interconnected world. Roads let players drive between courses, and Grand Prix races include travel between their four race locations. Nintendo describes settings that include cities, plains, desert and ocean, with changing weather and a day-and-night cycle.
The connected setting does not make every activity an open-world race. Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, VS Race, Time Trials and Battle are distinct ways to play; Free Roam is the mode focused on exploring outside a race.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
Which modes can you play?
Grand Prix
Race through a cup of four courses, with routes connecting the locations. The journey between tracks is part of the format rather than a simple jump from one course menu to the next.
Knockout Tour
Knockout Tour is a checkpoint-based elimination rally. Racers pass through checkpoints, and those who fail to meet the required position are eliminated as the tour continues. Nintendo’s update history lists Propeller Rally and Turnip Rally as additions to Knockout Tour in version 1.8.0.
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
Free Roam
Free Roam lets players drive around the world, look for secrets, complete missions and take in-game photos without being confined to a conventional race. Nintendo said the mode includes hundreds of single-player missions. That figure is Nintendo’s description, not an independent count.
Other race and battle options
VS Race, Time Trials and Battle provide more familiar competitive formats alongside the new modes. Nintendo’s announcement says classic Super Mario Kart courses were added to specified race modes in version 1.8.0; the update notes identify the applicable modes.
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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.
How many players can play together?
Nintendo says supported races can include up to 24 participants. On one console, up to four players can race in split-screen; local wireless supports up to eight players across systems. These are Nintendo-stated maximums and apply to the modes and configurations the game supports.
Online features require a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a game update, according to Nintendo Support. The membership requirement applies to online features, not the local play options above.
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
What is the latest Mario Kart World update?
Nintendo Support lists version 1.8.0, released September 9, 2026, as the latest update shown on its support page as of October 8, 2026. Its listed changes include Propeller Rally and Turnip Rally for Knockout Tour, classic Super Mario Kart courses for specified race modes, and changes to spectator and camera controls. Nintendo’s update page is the place to check for later versions or full installation details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need the wheel or camera accessories?
No. The Joy-Con 2 Wheel is an optional, separately sold set of two accessories for tilt controls. A Nintendo Switch 2 Camera or another compatible USB-C camera is also optional and is relevant to CameraPlay and social features, not required for core racing.
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.
What did the game cost at launch?
Nintendo of America listed a U.S. suggested retail price of $79.99 for the game in its June 5, 2025 launch announcement. Nintendo Co., Ltd. listed ¥9,980 as the suggested retail price for the physical version in Japan. These are historical, region-specific launch prices, not current quotes; check a retailer for present pricing and availability.
For launch context, Nintendo of America also listed the Switch 2 at $449.99 and the console-and-game bundle at $499.99 suggested retail prices in the United States. Those are likewise launch-era figures, not current purchase guidance.
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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.
