‘Mario Kart World’ Becomes Open World with Free Roaming on Nintendo Switch 2

      Nintendo

      Nintendo has shared information about the upcoming generation of its beloved kart racing game featuring an Italian plumber. Set to be launched as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive on June 5, Mario Kart World is one of the console's initial titles and appears to draw significant influence from more serious racing games, such as Forza Horizon.

      As implied by its title, Mario Kart World is an open-world game where players can “drive virtually everywhere.” While traditional four-circuit tournaments remain a core element, players will also drive to and from each track as part of the competition.

      Finally, we will see how Rainbow Road coexists with new street circuits that seemingly weave through New Donk City.

      The Free Roam feature allows players to explore the entire map at their own pace, reminiscent of Forza Horizon, and it even includes a photo mode. Additionally, the game’s open world will incorporate dynamic weather and time-of-day cycles, a feature I remember Gran Turismo introduced years ago; now, it’s a part of Mario Kart.

      The game will feature the largest number of vehicles in MK history, with twenty-four per race, and introduces a new Knockout Tour mode, a battle royale-inspired long-form race where racers are eliminated at designated checkpoints.

      Further details from the trailer highlight the mayor of NDC as a playable character, a track inspired by the original Donkey Kong game, another track that takes place on strips of film, a level where players can commandeer a truck, and new power-ups—did Mario just consume a burger?

      Mario Kart World will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. There will also be a bundled version of the console that includes the game for $500, while the console alone will be priced at $450.

      Nintendo

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