Mario Kart World officially announced for Nintendo Switch 2

In what will come as no surprise to many, Nintendo officially revealed Mario Kart World for Switch 2 today. It launches alongside the new hardware.

Various elements were shown in the first trailer, including wall grinding and wall jumping, costumes, and more. Time of day and weather conditions will impact the atmosphere. Additionally, you can go off the race track. There’s still Grand Prix, but you’ll drive to the next course as part of the next competition. Knockout Tour has you racing nonstop from one part of the world to another with multiple checkpoints that cause elimination. Free Roam is also included in which you can freely drive around the world.

The game has technically been known since January. Nintendo Switch 2 was announced at the start of the year, and as part of the first video, we did see a new Mario Kart running on the system for just a few seconds – which many had assumed was Mario Kart 9. Today, the new game was made official.

Here’s Nintendo’s official blurb:

Put the pedal to the metal in Mario Kart World, a brand-new experience set in a vast interconnected environment. Race seamlessly across connected courses that deliver Mario Kart racing like never before. Twenty-four drivers can compete in a race. Participate in the new Knockout Tour mode, where you’ll barrel through back-to-back courses and checkpoints, with no pit stops along the way. If a player doesn’t make it to each checkpoint at a high-enough placement, they will be eliminated. And in Free Roam, it’s possible to go off the racetrack and drive in any direction you wish, explore areas that pique your interest and take some photos at scenic spots with a group of friends. Mario Kart World races onto Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5.

Announcement Trailer

Believe it or not, this will be the first original console Mario Kart game in a decade. Mario Kart 8 released on Wii U in 2014 with Nintendo Switch getting a Deluxe version in 2017. There was also 2019’s Mario Kart Tour, but that was mobile-only.

We have much more from today’s Nintendo Direct here.