Mario Kart World is a 2025 kart racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch 2, released on June 5, 2025, as a launch title for the console. The game features 50 playable characters and supports up to 24 players, twice as many compared to previous Mario Kart games, and includes features such as an open-world design, a free-roaming mode, off-roading segments, boat racing, rail grinding and wall jumping.
Controls
Dual Joy-Con 2 / Pro Controller Button Layout
When using two Joy-Con 2 controllers (attached or in grip) or Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller:
| Button | Action |
| Left Stick | Steer |
| Right Stick | Camera |
| A | Accelerate |
| B | Brake / Reverse |
| X | Rear View / Look Backwards |
| Y | Open World Map |
| L / ZL | Use Item |
| R / ZR | Drift / Hold for Charged Jump |
| + (Plus) | Pause / Settings |
| – (Minus) | Photo Mode |
| D-Pad Down/Left | Rewind |
Single Joy-Con Button Layout (Horizontal)
When using one Joy-Con controller held horizontally for multiplayer:
| Button | Action |
| Joystick | Steer |
| Right | Accelerate |
| Left | Brake / Reverse |
| Up | Rear View |
| Down | World Map |
| SL | Use Item |
| SR | Drift / Hold for Charged Jump |
| + / – | Pause / Settings |
Advanced Control Techniques
New Mario Kart World Techniques:
- Charge Jump: Hold A then R, release when sparks appear (use Left Stick to direct jump left/right)
- Rail Ride: Drive into or use Charge Jump to access rails for speed boosts
- Wall Ride: Use Jump Boost or Charge Jump to drive on walls temporarily
- Spin Turn: Hold A + B and turn with Left Stick for quick 180° turns
- Jump Boost: Press R after jumping off a ramp for landing speed boost
Classic Techniques:
- Drift: R + Left Stick
- Mini-Turbo: Drift and release R after sparks appear under tyres
- Rocket Start: Hold A during race countdown for starting boost
- Item Techniques: Use Right Stick + L to throw items sideways
Control Schemes Available
Mario Kart World supports multiple control schemes including Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and even single Joy-Con horizontal play. The game also maintains compatibility with original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers.
Controller Options:
- Two Joy-Con 2 Controllers: Full control with all buttons accessible
- Single Joy-Con: Simplified control scheme for multiplayer
- Pro Controller: Traditional controller experience with enhanced rumble
- Joy-Con 2 Wheel: Motion control accessory for immersive steering
- Motion Controls: Tilt controls available for all controller types
Assist Features
Support features include Smart Steering (prevents going off-course), Auto-Accelerate (automatically accelerates without holding buttons), Auto-Use Items (automatically uses items), Tilt Controls (motion steering), and adjustable camera controls for vertical and horizontal viewing.
These can be accessed by pressing X on the kart selection screen or + during races.
Mario Kart World Items
There are a total of 28 items in Mario Kart World, each offering unique power-ups to speed ahead, take out competition, or gain advantages. The game introduces several new items whilst retaining classic favourites.
New Items
- Ice Flower: Allows throwing ice balls that freeze and spin out opponents
- Coin Shell: Fires ahead while dropping coins for collection
- Kamek: Transforms racers into random characters and summons enemies onto courses
- Dash Food: Found at Yoshi’s restaurants, provides speed boost and changes outfits
Returning Items
Classic items return including Banana Peels, Green/Red Shells, Blue Shell (Spiny Shell), Mushrooms, Super Star, Lightning, Bullet Bill, Bob-omb, Fire Flower, Super Horn, and Boomerang.
Notable returning items from previous games include the Feather (now usable in all modes), Mega Mushroom from Mario Kart Wii, and Hammer from Mario Kart Tour.
Item Changes
Several items received adjustments: Red Shells can follow racers onto rails, Lightning only affects players in front and has shorter duration, and Bob-ombs explode players who hit them while being held without affecting the holder.
Mario Kart World Courses/Maps
There are 30 unique courses in Mario Kart World, with two tracks — Peach Stadium and Crown City — featuring twice with slightly different layouts depending on which Grand Prix you’re racing in. Of those 30 courses, there are 16 brand new, while 14 are from previous games.
Course Structure
Grand Prix Cups:
- Mushroom Cup
- Flower Cup
- Star Cup
- Shell Cup
- Banana Cup
- Leaf Cup
- Lightning Cup
- Special Cup (unlocked after completing other cups)
Knockout Tour Rallies:
- Golden Rally
- Ice Rally
- Cherry Rally
- Moon Rally
- Spiny Rally
- Cloud Rally
- Heart Rally
- Special Rally
Notable Courses
New Courses:
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown City
- Block Ruins
- Peach Stadium
- Starview Peak (Rosalina-themed)
- DK Spaceport
- Faraway Oasis
- Whistlestop Summit
Returning Courses (Reimagined):
- Moo Moo Meadows
- Choco Mountain
- Toad’s Factory
- Bowser’s Castle
- Desert Hills
- Shy Guy Bazaar
- Wario Stadium
- Airship Fortress
- DK Pass
- Sky-High Sundae
- Rainbow Road
Open World Design
The courses are all connected in a seamless world where players drive between them to traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more. The game features a day/night cycle and shifting weather patterns. Free Roam mode allows players to explore any track both on- and off-road, with discoverable P Switches, Question Panels, and Peach Medallions.
Mario Kart World Characters
Mario Kart World has 50 playable characters, with 32 being default characters and 18 being unlockable. Of the total racers, 30 return from past instalments and 20 are new.
Main Characters (Available by Default)
Classic Mario Characters:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Peach
- Bowser
- Yoshi
- Toad
- Koopa Troopa
- Shy Guy
- and their various Baby versions
Recent Additions:
- Pauline (console debut)
- Birdo
- Nabbit
- Hammer Bro
- Chargin’ Chuck
- Monty Mole
New Character Debuts
Notable new playable characters making their series debut include:
- Cataquack
- Swoop
- Conkdor
- Cow (from Moo Moo Meadows)
- Piranha Plant
- Pianta
- Spike
- Dolphin
- Para-Biddybud
- Sidestepper
- Stingby
- Penguin
- and various enemy creatures from throughout the Mario series.
Character Unlocking
Characters are unlocked by completing Grand Prix cups (7 characters), using the Kamek item during races (transforms you into unlockable characters), or completing specific requirements. Characters have different weight classes affecting speed, acceleration, and handling statistics.
Costume System
24 of the playable characters have alternate unlockable costumes accessed by eating snacks during races from Yoshi’s Diners and food trucks. Costumes provide themed outfits inspired by the food consumed.
Mario Kart World Tips
Beginner Tips
Basic Racing Fundamentals:
- Start with karts that have high acceleration and decent handling rather than high-speed karts which can be difficult for beginners to control
- Focus on learning track layouts first, as familiarity allows you to follow optimal routes subconsciously and focus on strategy
- Practice drifting reliably to help round corners and curves without slowing down
Starting Line Advantage:
Activate Rocket Boost at the starting line by holding the acceleration button when the countdown reaches 2 for a burst of speed at race beginning
Coin Collection Strategy:
- Collecting coins increases kart speed, with the limit increased from 10 to 20 coins in Mario Kart World
- Actively seek out coins during races and use Coin Box or Coin Shell items for additional coin collection
- You lose three coins every time you get hit by projectiles, so maintain coin count for maximum speed
Advanced Strategies
New Techniques:
- Rail grinding and wall riding provide speed boosts and shortcuts – only Jump Boost and Charge Jump can access raised rails and walls
- Create charge jumps by driving straight and charging instead of drifting around corners to access rails and high areas
Item Management:
- Hold onto powerful items like Bullet Bill or Blue Shell until reaching the front of the pack for insurance to stay in first place
- Aim for double item boxes when possible to get two items at once, providing more opportunities for attack or defence
Character and Kart Selection:
- Small characters and bikes take up less screen space, providing better visibility
- Balance Speed, Acceleration, and Handling stats based on course requirements and skill level
- Recommended to race at 150cc as most courses are designed with this speed in mind
Unlocking Content
Character Unlocks:
- Speed through Grand Prix to unlock new characters by completing cups
- Use food vendors extensively to unlock costumes by feeding different characters various foods
Special Modes:
- Complete 40 P Switch missions and clear the Special Cup to unlock Mirror Mode
- Hidden karts are randomly unlocked every 100 coins earned through races
Game Mode Strategies
Knockout Tour:
Features elimination-style racing where players are knocked out at checkpoints – focus on consistent placement rather than first place until final stages
Free Roam:
Explore the open world to find P Switches (activating missions), Question Panels, and Peach Medallions for unlockables and completion rewards
