Since the iconic Mario Kart series first drifted onto our screens, it's been a whirlwind of shells, bananas, explosions, and neck-and-neck finishes. But fasten your seatbelts, because Mario Kart World has taken that wild ride and turbocharged it for 2025 with the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2.
Released worldwide on June 5, 2025, Mario Kart World isn't just another sequel—it's a full-blown game-changer. Nintendo ditched the classic lap-based tracks for an expansive open-world playground where you can race, explore, and collect items at your own pace. Imagine Moo Moo Meadows, but as you've never seen it before—lush, dynamic, and dripping with detail thanks to Switch 2's beefed-up processing power, complete with weather effects that make those cows feel extra chilly or sun-kissed.
Speaking of the Switch 2, Mario Kart World is its launch title exclusive, showcasing next-level performance like never before. One of the jaw-dropping upgrades? The ability to race with up to 24 players simultaneously, doubling the chaos and fun of previous entries. The game also spices up the gameplay with new mechanics like the charge jump, allowing racers to catapult over ramps and obstacles, and a handy rewind feature that lets you reverse a few seconds to fix those all-too-human slip-ups (bye-bye, shell-induced rage!).
Offline, you can still rally up to three friends with connected Joy-Cons for fierce couch multiplayer action. Online, the game supports vivid social features including built-in voice chat, with the option to mute for peace-loving racers. Collecting is a blast as well, with a plethora of stickers, coins, and unlockable costumes that add a dash of personal flair to your racing roster.
Since its announcement back in April 2025, Nintendo has been clear: Mario Kart World is not just a game, but a platform. Expect regular updates, new tracks, characters, and limited-time events to keep the rubber on the road fresh and the community engaged well past the launch window.
With a soundtrack boasting over 200 tracks, including beloved themes from the vast Mario universe, and a sleek blend of nostalgia and innovation, Mario Kart World solidifies itself as the must-play kart racer for 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned plumber or a newbie who just loves to dodge shells, this game delivers a feast of fun, speed, and surprises, right out of the box—and trust us, this box is worth every penny of its $89.99 physical price tag (or $79.99 digital).
So, rev your engines, grab those Joy-Cons, and prepare to zip, zoom, and zoom-ZOOM your way through the biggest, wildest Mario Kart adventure the world has ever seen.
