Nintendo’s January 16, 2025, first-look video for Nintendo Switch 2 briefly showed a new Mario Kart game, but did not name it. Nintendo later revealed the title as Mario Kart World and launched it alongside Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. It was one of more than 20 games in the launch lineup—not the only Switch 2 game.
What was the first game shown for Nintendo Switch 2?
The January 16, 2025, Switch 2 reveal video included brief footage of a new Mario Kart game. Nintendo did not give the game a public title in that initial announcement and directed viewers to a Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2 for more information. Nintendo’s January 16 announcement is the source for that first look.
When did Nintendo name the game Mario Kart World?
Nintendo identified the game as Mario Kart World during its April 2, 2025, Nintendo Direct. The company announced it as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive planned to release with the console on June 5. Nintendo’s April 2 announcement confirmed the name, platform and planned release date.
Nintendo provided further game details in a Mario Kart World Direct announcement on April 17, while reiterating that the game was a Switch 2 exclusive launching with the system.
#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
Is Mario Kart World the first or only Switch 2 game?
“First” refers to the Mario Kart footage appearing in the initial Switch 2 reveal video. It does not mean that Mario Kart World was the only game announced for the console or the only game available at launch. Nintendo’s June 5 launch announcement said the system arrived with more than 20 titles. Nintendo’s launch recap provides that lineup context.
When did Mario Kart World come out?
Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025. In a June 11 release, Nintendo reported that it had sold over 3.5 million Switch 2 units worldwide during the console’s first four days on sale. That is Nintendo’s reported figure, not an independently audited estimate in the cited release. Nintendo’s June 11 sales announcement gives the figure and its time period.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy two Mario adventures solo or with friends
- In Super Mario 3D World, choose a character each with distinct playstyles as you dash and climb through dozens of colorful courses, collecting Green Stars and power-ups along the way
- Cooperate (and compete) with friends locally or online to reach each stage’s goal. A crown is awarded to the highest-scoring player, making for a friendly frenzy
- In addition to added multiplayer options, the Nintendo Switch version of the Super Mario 3D World game has been improved with faster character speeds and more
- Explore a seamless feline world in Lake Lapcat, complete objectives to collect Cat Shines, and defeat a giant Bowser in the new Bowser’s Fury adventure
Rank #4
- Save $37.98 on everything you need to play with this bundle
- Includes Nintendo Switch 2, the most powerful Nintendo system yet
- Includes the Mario Kart World digital game download
- 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online included for online play and more
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
Rank #3
![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
Rank #2
- [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.
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