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
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
Spin-off games:
- Mario Kart Arcade GP, 2005 – Arcade cabinet
- Mario Kart Arcade GP 2, 2007 – Arcade cabinet
- Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, 2013 – Arcade cabinet
- Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Live, 2020 – Nintendo Switch
- Folder created: January 24, 2025
- Last updated: June 4, 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 been sneaking glimpses of 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: June 4, 2025
Offered at the full price of 89.99 euros, Mario Kart World is nevertheless displayed at a low price at many retailers with a 23% discount on certain sites! This allows you to save 20 euros on your purchase. Be sure to check out our pre-order guide right here to find the best deal!
Updated: 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.
Original article:
According to initial rumors, 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?
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.
- Mario
- Luigi
- Peach
- Bowser
- Yoshi
- Toad
- Koopa Troopa
- Wario
- Donkey Kong
- Daisy
- Waluigi
- Birdo
- Toadette
- Bowser Jr
- Baby Mario
- Baby Luigi
- King Boo
- Dry Bones
- Shy Guy
- Harmony
- Baby Peach
- Baby Daisy
- Wiggler
- Lakitu
- Baby Harmony
- Pauline
- Nabbit
- Hammer Bro
- Chagrin Chuck
- Monty Mole
- Goomba
- Piranha Plant
- Cheep Cheep
- Spike
- Pokey
- Swoop
- Fish Bone
- Rocky Wrench
- Sidestepper
- Peepa
- Singby
- Coin Coffer
- Para-Biddybud
- Conkdor
- Cataquack
- Pianta
- Penguin
- Doplphin
- Moo Moo
- 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:
- Mario (Off-Road)
- Mario (Cowboy)
- Luigi (Professional Racer)
- Luigi (Gondolier)
- Peach (Tourist)
- Peach (Yukata)
- Daisy (Swimsuit)
- Daisy (Oasis)
- Bowser (Off-Road)
- Yoshi (Food Runner)
- Yoshi (Matsuri)
- Toad (Burger Bud)
- Toadette (Waitress)
- Donkey Kong (Off-Road)
- Bowser (Biker)
- Bowser Jr. (Jr. Biker)
- Koopa Troopa (Racer)
- Lakitu (Fisherman)
- Pauline (Aero)
- Harmonie (Professional Racer)
- Waluigi (Mariachi)
- Wario (Biker)
- Birdo (Vacation)
- Maskass (Slope Styler)
- Baby Mario (Swimsuit)
- Baby Luigi (Work Crew)
- Baby Harmony (Navy Outfit)
- Baby Daisy (Explorer)
- Baby Peach (Tourist)
- King Boo (Aristocrat)
What are the first confirmed circuits in the game?
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.
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown Circuit
- Whistlestop Summit
- DK Spaceport
- Desert Hill
- Shy Guy Bazaar
- Wario Stadium
- Airship Fortress
- DK Pass
- Starview Peak
- Sky-High Sundea
- Wario Shipyard
- Koopa Troopa Beach
- Faraway Oasis
- Crown City
- Peach Stadium
What's new in Mario Kart World?
Most recent update: April 18, 2025
Following the detailed presentation of the game during the dedicated Nintendo Direct on April 17, we were able to learn a little more about Mario Kart World and its new features.
Stroll Mode
This mode will allow you to have a good time, alone or with your friends, exploring the world of Mario Kart World, taking photos, finding hidden coins, and completing hundreds of missions and challenges to improve your driving skills outside of racing.
Survival Mode
The main new feature in competitive game modes, Survival Mode lets you take part in a marathon with several races marked by checkpoints. Of course, as its name suggests, you will have to survive. Thus, at each checkpoint, the lowest-placed drivers will be eliminated.
New Techniques
This Mario Kart World offers new driving techniques like the charged jump to go over obstacles. It will also be possible to grind on the rails, dodge attacks, or jump towards a wall and drive on it for a moment. Chain wall jumps to discover secret passages.
Mario Kart World also offers a “rewind” function that allows you to go back in case of a mistake. Be careful though, when you use this technique, your opponents will continue on their way!
Local multiplayer for up to 8 players
Thanks to the feature that allows you to connect two Nintendo Switch 2s, it will be possible to play locally with up to eight players!
GameChat and CameraPlay compatibility
Mario Kart World is of course compatible with CameraPlay, allowing you to make your face appear next to your character, as well as with GameChat to chat with your friends online, broadcast your gameplay and make your head appear online with your friends via CameraPlay.
Drive-ins
From now on, the different tracks in Mario Kart World will offer Drive-ins, similar to gas stations that allow you to earn a Turbo and sometimes unlock outfits that you can find on the selection screen of the character.
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 a total of four 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
- Battle: as in previous games, you will be able to compete in arenas
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 teaser for the Switch 2, 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 first Nintendo Switch?
Most recent update: June 4, 2025
A few days before the game's release, we learned that Mario Kart World was originally planned for the first Switch. Development on the game began in late 2017 and was unfortunately delayed to Switch 2 around 2020 when the teams realized that the game would not be able to run properly on the first Switch. Feel free to read our article to learn more about the development of Mario Kart World.
Updated: April 2, 2025
Following the game's presentation on April 2, it was confirmed that Mario Kart World will be a Switch 2 exclusive. The game will therefore not be available on the previous console.
Original article:
At the moment, 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 first Switch.
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