Nintendo’s iconic racing franchise is gearing up for a massive upgrade, as Mario Kart World promises to deliver an expansive character roster unlike anything we’ve seen before. Brace yourself for a staggering selection of up to 84 characters, offering a massive variety that doubles the roster of its predecessor. Fans have been eagerly waiting for over a decade for a fresh console installment of the Mario Kart series, specifically holding out since Mario Kart 8 Deluxe graced the Nintendo Switch in 2017. This game was not entirely new, but rather an enhanced version of the 2014 Wii U original.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe took things up a notch with its Booster Course Pass, adding 48 thrilling courses and eight characters to its lineup. Racing enthusiasts suddenly found themselves racing on no fewer than 96 tracks with a diverse group of 42 characters. It seemed like Nintendo had set an almost unbeatable standard, making it hard to imagine how the next release could top this. That was until the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event on April 2, when fans caught a tantalizing glimpse of Mario Kart World, hinting at exciting new possibilities.
In an exciting move, Nintendo is cranking up the intensity by letting players dive into exhilarating races featuring up to 24 participants at once. The fresh format demands an equally fresh approach to prevent monotonous character repeats, and that’s where the jaw-dropping number of available racers could come into play. During a thrilling round of the Nintendo Treehouse live event, the buzz reached fever pitch as players caught sight of what appears to be seven scrollable character-packed pages—suggesting an unprecedented selection in the making for Mario Kart World.
The character selection screen flashed before our eyes during a livestream, teasing us with its potential. Each page showcases up to 12 characters. Speculation runs high: with seven pages, are we looking at a full lineup of 84? It remains a captivating mystery, as that final page might fall short of completion; hence, the magic number could range from 73 to 84.
Mystery still shrouds whether this extensive roster would consist of entirely unique characters or variants clad in different outfits. Mario Kart World promises to feature various costumes, but the specifics remain under wraps. Will these costumes appear as distinct characters, toggled on the menu before a race, or could they be a dynamic feature unlocked during races via imaginative in-game items? Even though the sheer number of choices may seem overwhelming, it’s crucial to offer diverse options for all 24 players participating in the races.
Step into Mario Kart World, where boundaries melt away, ushering you into a vibrant universe racing is connected, expansive, and exhilarating. Zip across a kaleidoscope of terrains—from serene grassy plains to bustling cities, vast open waters, formidable volcanoes, and everything in between. Find excitement beyond each course, race off the traditional tracks, and seek adventures in free-roam mode. Drive wherever curiosity takes you, discovering new places and snagging perfect snapshots at scenic vistas.
Gather friends near and far for captivating multiplayer racing escapades—hosting up to four players on a single system. Choose your style, whether it’s classic button controls or immersive motion control experiences. Enhance your immersion by attaching Joy-Con to a wheel accessory, making every drift and turn feel like you’re right in the action. Mario Kart World is poised to redefine the beloved series, with its release penciled in for June 2, 2025, exclusively on the much-awaited Nintendo Switch 2. Get ready, gaming aficionados, a new era in kart racing is about to unfold!
