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Mario Kart World: Everything we know so far (information, announcements, release date, characters, circuits, etc.)

Mario Kart World: Everything we know so far (information, announcements, release date, characters, circuits, etc.)

On January 16, 2025, Nintendo (finally) unveiled the famous Nintendo Switch 2. Nearly eight years after the release of the first Switch, Nintendo unveiled its future. For the first time in its history, the Big N will not be offering a revolution or new machines. We will instead enjoy an evolution of the Switch with a "second" version and a console that bears the number "2", a first in the history of Nintendo consoles since the release of the Game & Watch in 1980.

Of course, a new machine means new games. And for the moment, Nintendo is remaining fairly silent on its console's lineup, although Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and the new Mario Kart are likely to be the two main headliners.

It may seem like it's been 11 years since we've had a new Mario Kart on a main Nintendo console. It was in 2014 with the release of Mario Kart 8 on Wii U. The game was remastered on Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but the last major installment dates back to 2014. The arrival of a new Mario Kart is therefore quite an event.

A little history

Mario Kart World: Everything we know so far (information, announcements, release date, characters, circuits, etc.)

To date, the Mario Kart series has nine major installments, released between 1992 and 2019. "Mario Kart 9" on Switch2 will officially be the tenth installment in the saga. There are also four spin-offs.

Main Games:

  • Super Mario Kart, 1992 – Super NES
  • Mario Kart 64, 1997 – Nintendo 64
  • Mario Kart Super Circuit, 2001 – Game Boy Advance
  • Mario Kart Double Dash, 2003 – Nintendo GameCube
  • Mario Kart DS, 2005 – Nintendo DS
  • Mario Kart Wii, 2008 – Nintendo Wii
  • Mario Kart 7, 2011 – Nintendo 3DS
  • Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, 2014/2017 – Nintendo Wii U / Nintendo Switch
  • Mario Kart Tour, 2019 – iOS / Android

Derivative games:

  • Mario Kart Arcade GP, 2005 – Arcade terminal
  • Mario Kart Acarde GP 2, 2007 – Arcade terminal
  • Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, 2013 – Arcade machine
  • Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Live, 2020 – Nintendo Switch
  • Creation of file: January 24, 2025
  • Last update: April 10, 2025

Mario Kart 9, Mario Kart 10? No, this is Mario Kart World!

Most recent update: April 2, 2025

It's now official, the next Mario Kart on Switch 2 will be called "World," in homage to its open-world. It will officially be the tenth installment in the main series.

Officially, there is debate among the gaming community. For many, Mario Kart Tour is not really considered a main installment or the ninth game in the series, since the latter was released only on mobile. For others, it remains a real game and therefore, the next Mario Kart on Switch 2 should be Mario Kart 10 or Mario Kart X. For the moment, Nintendo has not officially confirmed the title of its next game.

Mario Kart World: an official announcement?

Most recent update: April 2, 2025

It was during the Nintendo Direct dedicated to the Switch 2, on April 2, 2025, that Nintendo officially announced Mario Kart World at the opening of the conference. A long (and beautiful) five-minute presentation allowed us to learn a little more about the title that will be available from the console's launch. A detailed presentation is already planned for April 17.

Officially, as of today (January 24, 2025), Nintendo has not yet announced the game. We only got a teaser in the Switch 2 presentation video with a few seconds of footage from a new Mario Kart game. But, officially, Nintendo has not yet revealed the development and upcoming release of the title.

However, many insiders and journalists (who leaked information about the Switch 2 announcement and design, all of which turned out to be true) have confirmed that this "Mario Kart 9" is indeed in development and should arrive as soon as the new console launches.

Mario Kart World: When is the release date?

Most recent update: April 2, 2025

As rumors suggested, Mario Kart World will be a launch game for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game is expected to be released on June 5, 2025, exclusively on Switch 2.

Officially, no announcement has been made. According to insiders and journalists who have previewed information on the Switch 2, the game is expected at the console's launch. Unfortunately, for the moment, the Switch 2 does not have a release date.

According to rumors, which should really be taken with a grain of salt, the Switch 2 and therefore Mario Kart 9 could be released this summer, around July 11.

What is the price of Mario Kart World?

Most recent update: April 2, 2025

This is the part that stings the most. The price of Mario Kart World will be very steep. The basic physical version will cost 89.99 euros and the basic digital version 79.99 euros.

Early rumors suggest that all Nintendo Switch 2 games will be priced at 79.99 euros. This information has reportedly been leaked on several retailers' websites. So you should expect to pay a high price for your next Mario Kart game.

Who are the first confirmed characters in the game?

Mario Kart World: Everything we know so far (information, announcements, release date, characters, circuits, etc.)

Most recent update: April 5, 2025

Following the first previews of the game, we were able to see a character selection screen allowing us to update the list of characters from 20 to 50. In total, we have no less than 20 new drivers in the Mario Kart license.

In addition to this, most of the characters will have the right to alternative outfits / skins.

In the first (very short) extract broadcast during the presentation of the Switch 2, it is possible to see many characters. For the moment, we have been able to distinguish 20.

  1. Mario
  2. Luigi
  3. Peach
  4. Bowser
  5. Yoshi
  6. Toad
  7. Koopa Troopa
  8. Wario
  9. Donkey Kong
  10. Daisy
  11. Waluigi
  12. Birdo
  13. Toadette
  14. Bowser Jr
  15. Baby Mario
  16. Baby Luigi
  17. King Boo
  18. Dry Bones
  19. Shy Guy
  20. Harmony
  21. Baby Peach
  22. Baby Daisy
  23. Wiggler
  24. Lakitu
  25. Baby Harmony
  26. Pauline
  27. Nabbit
  28. Hammer Bro
  29. Chagrin Chuck
  30. Monty Mole
  31. Goomba
  32. Piranha Plant
  33. Cheep Cheep
  34. Spike
  35. Pokey
  36. Swoop
  37. Fish Bone
  38. Rocky Wrench
  39. Sidestepper
  40. Peepa
  41. Singby
  42. Coin Coffer
  43. Para-Biddybud
  44. Conkdor
  45. Cataquack
  46. Pianta
  47. Penguin
  48. Doplphin
  49. Moo Moo
  50. Snowman

In addition to the characters you will be able to choose, some will be able to change their outfits/skins during the race. For now, here are the different outfits we can list:

  1. Mario (Off-Road)
  2. Mario (Cowboy)
  3. Luigi (Professional Racer)
  4. Luigi (Gondolier)
  5. Peach (Tourist)
  6. Peach (Yukata)
  7. Daisy (Swimsuit)
  8. Daisy (Oasis)
  9. Bowser (Off-Road)
  10. Yoshi (Food Runner)
  11. Yoshi (Matsuri)
  12. Toad (Burger Bud)
  13. Toadette (Waitress)
  14. Donkey Kong (Off-Road)
  15. Bowser (Biker)
  16. Bowser Jr. (Jr. Biker)
  17. Koopa Troopa (Racer)
  18. Lakitu (Fisherman)
  19. Pauline (Aero)
  20. Harmonie (Professional Racer)
  21. Waluigi (Mariachi)
  22. Wario (Biker)
  23. Birdo (Vacation)
  24. Maskass (Slope Styler)
  25. Baby Mario (Swimsuit)
  26. Baby Luigi (Work Crew)
  27. Baby Harmony (Navy Outfit)
  28. Baby Daisy (Explorer)
  29. Baby Peach (Tourist)
  30. King Boo (Aristocrat)

What are the first confirmed circuits in the game?

Mario Kart World: Everything we know so far (information, announcements, release date, characters, circuits, etc.)

Most recent update: April 5, 2025

Following the game's presentation on April 2 and the first previews, we can update the list of circuits that goes from 1 to 29 known, including a thirtieth that has leaked: the rainbow route. In total, the game would offer no less than eight cups with four circuits each time.

  1. Mario Bros. Circuit
  2. Crown Circuit
  3. Whistlestop Summit
  4. DK Spaceport
  5. Desert Hill
  6. Shy Guy Bazaar
  7. Wario Stadium
  8. Airship Fortress
  9. DK Pass
  10. Starview Peak
  11. Sky-High Sundea
  12. Wario Shipyard
  13. Koopa Troopa Beach
  14. Faraway Oasis
  15. Crown City
  16. Peach Stadium

What's new in Mario Kart World?

Mario Kart World: Everything we know so far (information, announcements, release date, characters, circuits, etc.)

Most recent update: April 10, 2025

Following the game's presentation on April 2 and the first previews, we can now list many new features.

New items

In addition to the confirmed 24-player races, the game will offer two new items with the “golden shell” and “thecrystal ball”. Regarding the golden shell, it will function like a blue shell and will rush forward leaving a trail of coins behind it, then release a multitude of coins in a final explosion.

The crystal ball will summon Kamek who will cast a spell on the other participants who will then be transformed into another enemy (Goomba, Pokey, etc.)

Some traps are evolving, such as lightning which will no longer affect players who are behind the one who throws the trap!

The number of coins increases

From now on, the maximum number of coins is no longer 10 coins, but 20 coins.

Karts

Vehicles now offer four different stats: speed, acceleration, weight, and maneuverability. It appears that vehicles will no longer be customizable. Additionally, the hang-gliding system will no longer exist, replacing it with wings in airplane mode. Likewise, karts and motorcycles transform into jetskis on the water.

Game Modes

This Mario Kart World seems to offer, in total, three game modes with:

  • Grand Prix: 4 races in a row with a final ranking by points
  • Survival: 6 races in a row with 4 eliminations per section
  • Ride: discover the open world, alone or with friends

Difficulty Levels

In this Mario Kart World, it seems that three difficulty levels are back with:

  • 50 cc
  • 100 cc
  • 150 cc

Boost

From now on, the game seems to offer more opportunities to gain boosts, such as drifting in a straight line, sliding on railings, or dodging objects on the ground (like bananas).

Control of certain elements of the scenery

Mario Kart World seems to offer much more interaction with the elements of the scenery, since it seems possible to take control of certain vehicles and trucks to become invisible in certain races. It is not yet known under what conditions this is possible.

According to the first Switch 2 teaser, it will be possible to race with 24 players (compared to 12 until now). Which promises some intense moments.

Similarly, it seems that we will be able to perform "kart kicks" again, a feature that was possible in Mario Kart Double Dash on GameCube in 2003. For the moment, these are the only new features that seem to have been teased in this first extract.

Will it be possible to play online?

Most recent update: April 10, 2025

Following the game's presentation on April 2 and the first previews, the 24-player online mode has been confirmed.

Yes, like previous games, it will be possible to play solo, in local multiplayer and online. However, we don't know if the "24 player" mode will be confirmed online.

Will Mario Kart World be available on the original Nintendo Switch?

Most recent update: April 2, 2025

Following the game's reveal on April 2, it was confirmed that Mario Kart World will be exclusive to Switch 2. The game will therefore not be available on the previous console.

At this time, it is not possible to know if Mario Kart 9 will be a Switch 2 exclusive game or if it will also be available on the original Switch.

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