Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World is a racing game for the Nintendo Switch 2. It features new characters, new items, and new game modes. Mario Kart World was formally announced as part of the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal on April 2, 2025, and it was released with the console worldwide on June 5, 2025. It is an entry of the Mario Kart series.

Modes

Grand Prix

Main article: Grand Prix

Grand Prix returns as the main game mode as in previous titles, where the player competes on four courses in a cup race to score the most points. Higher positions award more points. However, the Grand Prix format has changed significantly from previous games. Now, only the first race of a cup race follows the traditional three-lap format. The final three races follow a sectional format, with the first two sections (or more in some cases) taking place between intermissions that transition from the previous course to the next, while the final section consists of a lap of the next course.

Time Trials

Main article: Time Trials

Time Trials returns with the same role as usual. Players race around a selected track to complete it as quickly as possible. As in previous games, they can compete against ghost times set by other players online.

VS Race

VS Race allows up to four players to play together locally or up to eight players wirelessly. Players can choose to compete in regular three-lap races on a single track or choose a track to start and then choose another track connected to it via a route. Team races returns from previous versions, but it is now possible to have up to four teams instead of just two. Engine classes, items, CPU difficulty, and number of races all return as settings, including the odd-numbered race count from Mario Kart Wii.

Battle

Main article: Battle (Mario Kart series)

Mario Kart World features a completely revamped Battle mode with two modes: Balloon Battle and Coin Battle.

Knockout Tour

Main article: Knockout Tour

Knockout Tour is an all-out battle mode where players compete on consecutive tracks across the open world and are eliminated on a specific lap if they finish in the bottom four. Unlike races, there are no breaks between races, as players who qualify for the next race simply continue on.

Knockout Tour consists of rallies instead of cups. Each of the eight rallies consists of six races. Unlike Grand Prix, Knockout Tour focuses primarily on the intermissions between tracks. The first five races take place on a continuous course, with each checkpoint eliminating players in the bottom four. For the final race, the last four players standing will complete a lap around the final track. Players are able to configure the breaks in the rules.

Free Roam

Free Roam is an open-world adventure mode where one or more players can freely explore any track, both on and off-road. As shown on the screen when viewing the world map in this mode, P Switches, ? Panels, and Peach Medallions appear as discoverable objects. P Switches activate missions that are reminiscent of the Mission Mode in Mario Kart DS. CPU players can also be encountered in Free Roam.