Key Details of
Mario Kart World
Platform:
- Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date:
- June 5, 2025 (Worldwide launch)
- First Mario Kart game to launch alongside a Nintendo console
Gameplay Highlights:
- Open-world design introduced for the first time in the series
- Two new game modes:
o Knockout Tour – Elimination-style racing
o Free Roam – Explore tracks without laps or time limits
- Off-road mechanics and unlockable character costumes
- Supports up to 24 racers per race, double the previous limit
Character Roster:
- Introduces more brand-new playable characters than any previous entry in the series.
- Playable debut of classic enemies like Cataquack, Swoop, and Conkdor
Art Style:
- The visual style has been reimagined, drawing inspiration from Shigehisa Nakaue’s distinctive 2D artwork.
- Similar aesthetic to Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Music:
- Soundtrack includes 200+ tracks, composed by a team led by Atsuko Asahi
- Mix of new compositions and remixes from across the Mario universe
Development:
- Development kicked off in 2017, even prior to the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Transitioned to Switch 2 hardware in 2020
- TNintendo selected the name Mario Kart World instead of continuing with Mario Kart 9, aiming to highlight a fresh evolution in the series’ identity
ISO Download (i) https://ec.nintendo.com/AU/en/titles/70010000096802
Developer Description
The creation of Mario Kart World was led by the talented team at Nintendo EPD—Nintendo’s renowned Entertainment Planning & Development Division. Known for their groundbreaking work on titles like Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, this team brought their creative expertise and technical innovation to the next evolution of the Mario Kart franchise. Published by Nintendo, Mario Kart World was built on an enhanced version of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe engine, specially adapted to take full advantage of the more powerful Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. This upgrade enabled enhanced gameplay fluidity, support for more racers on track, and a deeper, more immersive open-world racing adventure. The game’s vibrant art style, inspired by the 2D illustrations of Shigehisa Nakaue, brought a fresh visual identity to the series. Meanwhile, the soundtrack—featuring over 200 tracks—was composed under the direction of Atsuko Asahi, blending new melodies with nostalgic remixes from across the Mario universe. Development began as early as 2017, shortly before the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and eventually shifted to the Switch 2 platform in 2020. With its thoughtful design, innovative mechanics, and artistic flair, Mario Kart World represents a bold new direction for the franchise—one carefully crafted by Nintendo’s most experienced hands.