Nintendo has finally shared details about the highly awaited Mario Kart game for Switch 2. The new game, Mario Kart World, launches on June 5th, the same day as the console. It’s priced at $79.99, which is more than past Mario Kart games. However, there’s a $499.99 bundle that includes both the Switch 2 and a download code for the game, saving you $50 compared to buying them separately. Nintendo will reveal more details during a Nintendo Direct on April 17th at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET.
New Features and Gameplay
Mario Kart World brings some exciting new features to the series. For the first time, players can enjoy an open-world mode called “Free Roam.” This lets you drive anywhere, on roads, off roads, and everywhere in between. You can even team up with friends for relaxed scenic drives and take photos at different spots in the game. There’s also a new mode called “Knock-out Tour,” where players compete in checkpoint races across the entire map.
Mario Kart World adds some exciting new gameplay features. Now, you can grind on rails, race along power lines, and even jump off walls. Besides traditional karts, you can also drive boats and snowmobiles, making races more fun and unpredictable. It looks like you’ll be able to customize characters during races, too. Each race supports up to 24 players, and the game’s weather and time of day change dynamically, adding a fresh challenge every time you play.
Characters and Strategic Importance
The trailer features familiar characters like Mario and Wario, along with some surprising additions, like the cow from Moo Moo Meadows from Mario Kart 64. Nintendo’s decision to launch with Mario Kart World makes a lot of sense since the series is one of their biggest hits. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling game on the Switch, and past versions have dominated sales on consoles like the Wii U, 3DS, Wii, and DS.
This release will likely play a big role in getting people to buy the Switch 2 early on. The higher price suggests that Nintendo has put a lot into making this Mario Kart bigger and better than ever.
