The April 17, 2025 Mario Kart World Direct wasn’t just another Nintendo showcase—it was a full-throttle, turbo-boosted thrill ride that left my heart racing and my eyebrows permanently raised. As a lifelong Mario Kart fanatic (and proud owner of way too many blue shell-related emotional scars), I was glued to the screen, hoping for big reveals about the game and its shiny new home on the Nintendo Switch 2.

And boy, did it deliver.

From the jaw-dropping open-world structure to the 60+ character roster and some truly wild new mechanics, Mario Kart World is shaping up to be a revolutionary leap for the series—and I’m not just excited, I’m basically vibrating with joy.

That said, one question revved up in the back of my mind like a suspiciously quiet red shell: why is this game $90 USD? That’s a premium price tag, even by new-gen standards. So naturally, I tuned in hoping Nintendo would offer a peek behind the price point—something to justify the cost beyond nostalgia and new paint.

Spoiler: they kind of did.

Let’s break down everything the Direct revealed—what blew my mind, what made me squeal (quietly, like a dignified adult), and what might explain why Mario Kart is now a luxury item.

A Bold New Direction: Open-World Racing

One of the biggest, most gasp-worthy reveals in the Mario Kart World Direct was that the game is no longer just a series of disconnected race tracks—it’s now a full-blown open-world karting adventure. And I mean open. You’re not just selecting a cup and being magically dropped onto a racecourse anymore. No sir. In this game, you actually drive yourself to the next race.

Let me say that again for the folks in the back: You. Drive. To. Your. Next. Race.

From the moment you start up, you’re placed on a massive, seamless world map—no loading screens, no awkward menu hops—just you, your kart, and the open road (or dirt path, or jungle trail, or haunted mansion hallway, because this is still Mario Kart we’re talking about).

You can go anywhere you want. Feel like taking a detour before your next Grand Prix? Do it. Want to explore that suspicious-looking cave on the side of the volcano? Go ahead. Need to chase down a hidden shortcut or test a new kart build in the wild? The world is yours. It’s like Breath of the Wild got behind the wheel and picked up a banana peel.

This means that Mario Kart World is more than a racing game—it’s also about exploration, discovery, and freedom. There’s now a real sense of progression and connection between races, as you cruise from one part of the world to another, unlocking paths, finding secrets, and maybe even running into other players on the same journey.

It makes the world feel alive. It makes you feel like more than just a racer—you’re now a traveler, a wanderer, a karting adventurer on a mission. And if that isn’t worth at least a portion of that spicy $90 USD price tag… I don’t know what is.

Honestly, this shift alone is enough to make me feel like we’re entering a whole new era of Mario Kart. It’s not just racing anymore—it’s a world, and I can’t wait to dive in.

Grand Prix Reinvented: Seamless Racing Across a Living World

In Mario Kart World, the traditional Grand Prix mode undergoes a transformative evolution. Instead of selecting races from a menu, players now drive between courses within an expansive open-world environment. This design choice enhances immersion, as racers transition organically from one track to the next without loading screens, creating a continuous and dynamic racing experience. For instance, a race might commence in the desert-themed Mario Bros. Circuit and seamlessly progress into the urban landscape of Crown City, with the environment morphing in real-time as you drive .​

This interconnected world isn’t merely a backdrop; it introduces dynamic weather conditions and a day/night cycle, adding layers of strategy and visual variety to each race . The necessity to navigate between courses also encourages exploration, allowing players to discover shortcuts, hidden items, and unique challenges along the way.​

Knockout Tour: High-Stakes Racing with Progressive Eliminations

The Knockout Tour mode introduces a thrilling, elimination-style competition that spans the game’s vast open world. In this mode, 24 players race towards a series of checkpoints scattered across diverse terrains. At each checkpoint, the slowest racers are eliminated, intensifying the competition as the field narrows .​

This mode isn’t just about speed; it demands strategic navigation through varied environments, from icy landscapes in the Ice Rally to challenging terrains in the Golden Rally . The continuous nature of the race, combined with the pressure of eliminations, ensures an adrenaline-fueled experience that tests both skill and endurance.​

An Expanded Roster of Racers: Moo-ve Over, Mario—The Cow Is Here

If there’s one thing Mario Kart World made crystal clear during the Direct, it’s this: no character is too weird, too obscure, or too bovine to get behind the wheel.

With over 60 playable characters, this is by far the largest and most wonderfully unhinged roster in Mario Kart history. Of course, the classics are here—Mario, Luigi, Peach (my queen), Bowser, Yoshi (moment of silence)—but the real magic is in the newcomers.

Let’s talk about Cow. Yes, the Cow. As in, the dairy-supplying, mooing friend you’ve probably crashed into a thousand times on Moo Moo Meadows. Now she’s not just a bystander—she’s a racer. And apparently, she’s got surprising acceleration stats and serious drip. Her intro in the Direct was met with an audible wave of joy and disbelief from fans. This is the chaotic energy Mario Kart has always needed.

Then there’s Goomba, whose kart-related logistics I still don’t quite understand (he has no arms?), and Pokey, the spiky desert cactus guy who I can only assume has zero handling but maximum intimidation.

But it’s not just novelty—each character in Mario Kart World has been given unique attributes and roles. Some characters are speed demons, others are tanks, and some offer bonuses when used in specific environments (like underwater, off-road, or in the air). It adds a new layer of depth to racer selection that goes beyond “who looks cutest in a helmet.”

And speaking of looks—alternate costumes are back and better than ever. We saw glimpses of Peach in multiple outfits, including a biker suit, a racing jumpsuit, and what looked suspiciously like a pastel rally ensemble. Mario had at least three variants too, including a vintage ’80s karting look. These aren’t just visual—they sometimes come with stat tweaks or ability boosts depending on the race type.

So whether you’re picking your racer based on their competitive edge, personal connection, or simply because you find it hilarious that a literal Cow can drift around Bowser’s Castle, there’s something here for everyone. And with a roster this deep, you’ll be swapping mains more than you ever thought possible.

(Yoshi is out Peach is in)

A Royal Betrayal: Yoshi, You’ve Been a Good Egg… But Peach Is Everything

This one is going to be hard to say, but I need to be honest with myself—and with you, dear reader.

After nearly 30 years of unwavering, loyal, egg-tossing devotion to Yoshi, I’m officially retiring my green king. That’s right. Yoshi and I have been through it all: Rainbow Road humiliations, blue shell betrayals, Banana Peel Blunders of ’08… and through it all, he was my guy. But no longer.

Because Princess Peach?

She is so cute in this game it should be illegal.

From her updated outfits to her animations, to the absolute confidence she exudes behind the wheel—it’s giving royal energy, it’s giving icon, it’s giving “move over boys, the throne is mine.” The Direct showcased Peach in multiple new costumes (yes, multiple), including what appears to be a modern biker look that made me audibly gasp. I mean… it’s Peach, but she could knock me off the track and I’d still say thank you.

The way she handles a kart now? Smooth. Stylish. Deadly. It’s giving “you can’t catch me, I’m on diplomatic immunity.” She radiates “final boss of the catwalk” energy.

So yes, after three decades of being a Yoshi main, I’m making the switch. I’ve folded up his saddle, parked the kart in the garage, and told him he can finally rest. It’s been an emotional decision—but one look at Peach in Mario Kart World and suddenly I knew: I’m a Peach main now.

Yoshi, if you’re reading this… thank you for everything. You’ll always be my Player 2 in spirit.

Innovative Items and Mechanics: More Mayhem, More Mastery

Let’s be honest: Mario Kart is built on chaos. Beautiful, blue shell-laced, rage-quit-inducing chaos. And Mario Kart World takes that legacy and absolutely turbo-charges it with brand-new items and mechanics that could seriously change how we race.

First, the new items.

Enter the Coin Shell—a shiny, golden hybrid that functions a bit like a protective Green Shell, but instead of just smacking opponents, it collects coins as it goes. It’s like capitalism in shell form. It adds a whole new layer of risk/reward strategy—do you toss it early for a quick payday, or hold onto it for that satisfying combo of defense and profit?

Then there’s the return of the Mega Mushroom, which we haven’t seen in a mainline Mario Kart since Wii. Stomp your way down the track, flattening rivals, absorbing items, and looking absolutely unbothered. It’s pure karting catharsis, and I cannot wait to abuse it in Battle Mode.

Of course, longtime staples like Bullet Bill, Lightning, and Bob-ombs are back, refined and visually slicker than ever. But what’s exciting is how these classic items now interact with the game’s new systems—like terrain, weather, and the open world. For example, Lightning doesn’t just shrink racers anymore; it might also cause dynamic weather shifts, like rainstorms or wind bursts, that change how the track behaves for a short time. Because why not throw in a hurricane, right?

Now, onto the new mechanics, and this is where things get spicy:

• Charge Jump: A game-changer (literally). Hold a button to “charge” your jump before launching off a ramp or bump. Time it right and you get a super boost. Time it wrong and you go sailing into the void. It’s a high-stakes mechanic that adds a rhythmic, skill-based challenge to even the simplest shortcuts.
• Wall Ride: Yes, you read that correctly. You can now drive along walls in certain areas, Mario Galaxy–style. It’s not automatic either—you have to enter the right angle, maintain speed, and balance your drift. Perfecting a Wall Ride can mean the difference between 1st place glory and a humiliating plummet back to 7th. So get ready for highlight-reel moments… and spectacular wipeouts.

And all of these additions are layered into an open-world design where you’re constantly choosing your path, making split-second decisions, and racing through unpredictable environments. The result? Races that are as much about strategy and improvisation as they are about reflexes.

All of this makes me wonder: is this the Mario Kart they’ve been building to all along? A game that rewards not just speed, but creativity and risk? A game where your item use isn’t just reactive but tactical? If this is what they meant when they slapped a $90 USD price tag on the box… I’m starting to get it.

Now, will I still get flattened by a Cow riding a Bullet Bill on the final stretch of the Knockout Tour? Probably. But at least I’ll be smiling as it happens.

Enhanced Multiplayer and Social Features: Trash Talk, Team Races, and Turbo-Selfies

One of the most exciting parts of Mario Kart World—besides the fact that Cows can now drive—is how it’s doubling down on multiplayer and social interaction. This game isn’t just built to be played; it’s built to be shared, screamed over, streamed, and memed to high heaven.

First, the numbers: up to 24 players online. That’s not a typo. That’s two dozen racers on a single track, and if you’re already picturing the absolute pandemonium that will ensue when 24 people all get Lightning at once… same. Online matches are going to be epic and ridiculous, in the best way. You’ll be able to join massive Knockout Tour lobbies, enter free-roam “cruise sessions,” or host custom Grand Prix brackets with friends and foes alike.

For those of us who still believe in the sacred tradition of couch co-op, fear not—four-player split-screen is fully supported. And with the Switch 2’s rumored hardware muscle, that means no frame drops, no lag, just good ol’ fashioned banana-peel betrayals in full HD.

But here’s where it gets modern: Mario Kart World includes GameChat, a built-in voice chat system that actually works in-game. No more fiddling with third-party apps or yelling across the room—now you can strategize, scream, or sing the DK Rap directly into your opponents’ ears.

Even more wild: webcam support.
Yes, your face can now be on screen, mid-race. Whether you’re streaming, playing with friends, or just want your opponent to see your smug little grin as you pass them with a perfectly timed mushroom boost, it’s all part of the package. You can even place webcam overlays during replays or photos.

Which brings us to one of my favorite new features: Photo Mode.
Mario Kart World now lets you pause the action, swing the camera around, and capture your most chaotic, beautiful, or devastating moments. Whether it’s a mid-air drift through a thunderstorm, a last-second shell hit at the finish line, or just you and your bestie cruising across Peach Gardens at sunset—it’s all shareable. Add stickers, captions, filters—because why destroy your friendships if you can’t also document it in high resolution?

And because this is the most connected Mario Kart ever, expect online leagues, seasonal events, and even community challenges that offer unlockable outfits, kart parts, and themed badges to show off in races.

This emphasis on real-time interaction, visual expression, and large-scale competition transforms Mario Kart from a party game into a social platform—a place where racing is just part of the fun.

So whether you’re teaming up with friends, livestreaming your Knockout Tour victory, or posting a selfie of your Cow main winning in front of a stunned Donkey Kong, Mario Kart World is making sure you’re not just playing the game… you’re living it.

Launch Details and Pricing: $90 USD?! Okay… Maybe They Earned It

Let’s talk about the elephant in the kart—or maybe the Cow.

When Nintendo first revealed that Mario Kart World would carry a $90 USD price tag, the collective internet let out a high-pitched “EXCUSE ME?” in unison. It’s the most expensive entry in the franchise’s history, and frankly, it made me brace for disappointment. Was this going to be just another kart racer with some shiny textures and an extra mushroom or two? Was Nintendo just seeing how much they could charge before we riot?

But then the Direct happened. And I have to admit—they kind of won me over.

This isn’t just another Mario Kart. This is an entirely new vision of what Mario Kart can be:

• A massive, seamless open world where you drive to each race and explore freely?
• Over 60 characters—including Cow, Goomba, and Pokey (we are truly in a post-serious Mario Kart era)?
• Deep customization, with alternate costumes, stat variations, and terrain-specific bonuses?
• Revamped Grand Prix that feels like a story campaign meets racing sim?
• Knockout Tour, a competitive survival mode that feels like Mario Kart meets battle royale?
• Up to 24-player online chaos with voice chat, webcam support, and Photo Mode for showing off your most glorious wins and funniest fails?
• New items and mechanics like Charge Jump and Wall Ride that bring real strategy to the chaos?

This is more than a glow-up. It’s more than a sequel. It’s practically a genre hybrid, combining elements of racing, open-world exploration, competitive elimination, and social gaming into one high-octane, pastel-colored fever dream. And all of this is launching day one with the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025—a system that looks built to handle this next-gen Mario Kart vision without compromising performance.

As for the pricing:

• The base game is $89.99 USD (or $119.99 CAD for my fellow Canucks—I felt that one).
• A console bundle including the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World will retail for $499.99 USD and will be available until fall or while supplies last. Though, if the last 7 years are any indication I would say you can expect this bundle to appear at black Friday sales.
• And yes, there will be deluxe editions, pre-order bonuses, and probably Amiibo content because Nintendo can’t help themselves.

But honestly? After seeing everything this game is offering—they’re not just selling a kart racer anymore. They’re selling an experience. A shared world. A chaotic sandbox of joy and destruction. And maybe, just maybe, that’s worth the price of admission.

So yeah. I’ll grumble about the cost while I preorder it anyway. I’ll mutter something sarcastic while customizing my Cow’s kart. And I’ll absolutely smile like an idiot when Peach wins the Knockout Tour and I get to snap a selfie mid-victory spin.

Nintendo, you got me. Again.

Final Lap: Why Mario Kart World Might Be the Greatest Karting Game Ever Made

At the end of the day, Mario Kart World isn’t just a sequel—it’s a full-throttle reinvention. It dares to ask, What if Mario Kart wasn’t just a party racer, but a living, breathing world? And then it answers that question with cows behind the wheel, wall-riding Goombas, 24-player elimination showdowns, and Peach in a biker jacket looking like she owns the track and your soul.

This game blends the heart and humor of classic Mario Kart with bold, forward-thinking innovation—the kind that feels like Nintendo swinging for the fences, and actually connecting.

• The open-world exploration isn’t just a gimmick; it redefines how we experience progression, turning a menu-driven game into a journey.
• The roster is massive, absurd, and kind of brilliant—it captures that pure Nintendo magic where silliness meets strategy.
• The new items and mechanics promise chaos with purpose.
• And the social features, from real-time voice chat to shareable photo ops, turn every race into a memory—and probably a meme.

Yes, I was skeptical about the $90 price tag. I came in with my arms crossed and my wallet clutched. But what I’ve seen has honestly melted my cynicism faster than a blue shell on a straightaway. Mario Kart World isn’t trying to be safe. It’s trying to be legendary.

Whether you’re a day-one diehard like me (RIP Yoshi, long live Peach), or a newcomer just stepping into the chaos for the first time—this game has something to offer you. Adventure. Competition. Exploration. Laughter. And probably more than a few rage-inducing wipeouts at the final checkpoint.

So mark your calendars: June 5, 2025 prepare to enter a world where racing is just the beginning.

Because Mario Kart World isn’t just the next step for the franchise—it’s a turbo-charged leap into the future.

Consider supporting me through Tips or Patreon. Your support on Patreon or through tips makes a huge difference for us! By becoming a patron, you’re not just supporting the show—you’re joining our community. Patreon contributions help cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and even lets us spend more time researching and bringing you the quality content you love. Tips through Squarespace are another awesome way to show your appreciation and help us with day-to-day expenses.

Pixel Press Media