Nintendo Announces MARIO KART WORLD Release Date, Shares New Game Features

Nintendo took center stage in the gaming world today with a big update for the Switch 2. That began with a fantastic trailer full of gameplay footage for Mario Kart World. The company also provided tons of information about new features coming to the beloved series.

The “World” in the game’s title refers to it’s various regions “that span the globe.” Racers will be speeding off all around the planet. It will matter when they do, too. “Depending on the time of day and weather conditions, the atmosphere will change.” No more perfecting a single course by knowing it inside and out. You’ll have to adjust on the fly to your surroundings. You’ll also get to explore all of those surroundings. Mario Kart World will let players go off the track and drive “virtually everywhere.”

A new setting, “Free Roam,” will also let you drive around to “new areas and routes.” You can even go for a leisurely drive of exploration to scenic spots with friends so you can take photos together.

While the game is not abandoning it’s classic four-track Grand Prix tournament, it will let racers speed off to the next course as part of the competition. Races will also feature a whopping 24 competitors, most in franchise history. That will be especially fun during “Knockout Tour.” That will let you “race nonstop from one corner of the world to another.” Just make sure you’re hitting checkpoints along the way. If you come up short on a placement you’ll be eliminated.

And you thought the Rainbow Road was stressful.

A new Mario Kart with new features, new courses, new ways to play, and so much more? And it’s coming out in two months? Like I said, “Letsa f------ go.”

Just, you know, don’t say that if you play Mario Kart World with children. It is a kid-friendly game after all.