Today’s Switch 2 reveal kicked off with the next Mario Kart. After two console generations of Mario Kart 8, its true successor is coming in the form of Mario Kart World
The ninth Mario Kart unfolds on a giant open world filled with various biomes and race courses. For the first time in series history, players are free to drive off the beaten path to freely explore the island in Free Roam. You can uncover hidden routes and locations, including photo ops to take pictures with friends.
Up to 24 racers compete in any given race, the most in series history. Mario Kart World still features the traditional four-race Grand Prix, but players will drive to the next course in between races.
Another new addition is Knockout Tour. Competitors must race from one side of the massive map to another, hitting checkpoints along the way. However, each checkpoint allows for only a certain number of racers to pass, such as anyone in 8th place and up. You’re eliminated from the race if you arrive below that standing, giving Knockout Tour battle royale-style stakes.
The trailer also briefly shows off a new burger power-up that, when consumed, transforms the racers’ costumes to resemble biker attires. It’s unclear what this power-up does beyond the cosmetic change. The footage also showed clips of karts transforming into planes and boats to travel the air and water, respectively.
Mario Kart World is a Switch 2 exclusive and launches alongside the Switch 2 on June 5. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that it will cost $79.99, $10 more than the current $70 price ceiling for triple-A games. Nintendo will reveal more about the game in a dedicated Nintendo Direct on April 17.
