Comprehensive Guide to Mario Kart World (Including Game Modes, Items, Racers, and More)

Mario Kart World is the ninth major installment in Nintendo’s beloved racing franchise. Featuring an expansive open world, thrilling races involving up to 24 participants, a diverse lineup of characters, and numerous new gameplay mechanics, this title also kicks off the Nintendo Switch 2 generation.

As the launch date approaches, gamers may have questions about their initial experience with the game. This Mario Kart World FAQ aims to clarify all your queries, preparing you to race on launch day.

How Many Players Can Join Mario Kart World?

The multiplayer player count varies across modes. Four players can engage in split-screen multiplayer, while local wireless multiplayer supports up to eight players with individual Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Online multiplayer accommodates up to 24 players, allowing them to compete on tracks or in battle mode.

Complete List of Mario Kart World Items

Racers can utilize a range of items in Mario Kart World. The following items are confirmed:

Coin Shell
Ice Flower
Hammer
Mega Mushroom
Feather
Kamek
Mushroom
Star
Red Shell
Green Shell
Banana
Gold Mushroom
Triple Banana
Triple Mushroom
Lightning
Bullet Bill
Blue Shell
Boomerang
Fire Flower
Bob-Omb
Coin Box
Blooper
Boo
Superhorn

Number of Grand Prix and Tracks in Mario Kart World

Nintendo has revealed that there will be seven Grand Prix, each granting players a Cup when they win. These include:

Mushroom Cup
Flower Cup
Star Cup
Shell Cup
Banana Cup
Leaf Cup
Lightning Cup

Each Grand Prix consists of four unique tracks, meaning there will be at least 28 tracks in the complete game. This will include brand-new courses and some fan-favorite tracks from earlier titles. Furthermore, Nintendo hinted during the Mario Kart World Direct that unlocking Rainbow Road will introduce an additional track after completing the other Cups, suggesting an eighth Cup with an estimated total of 32 tracks.

Some tracks may feature ‘variants’, like Crown City and Peach Stadium, which have slightly altered routes. The confirmed tracks are:

Acorn Heights
Airship Fortress
Boo Cinema
Bowser’s Castle
Cheep Cheep Falls
Choco Mountain
Crown City/Crown City 2
Dandelion Depths
Desert Hills
Dino Dino Jungle
DK Pass
DK Spaceport
Dry Bones Burnout
Faraway Oasis
Great ? Block Ruins
Koopa Troopa Beach
Mario Bros. Circuit
Moo Moo Meadows
Peach Beach
Peach Stadium/Peach Stadium 2
Rainbow Road
Salty Salty Speedway
Shy Guy Bazaar
Sky-High Sundae
Starview Park
Toad’s Factory
Wario Shipyard
Wario Stadium
Whistlestop Summit

Racers in Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World incorporates familiar characters from earlier games, alongside exciting new additions. The roster includes:

Mario
Luigi
Peach
Daisy
Yoshi
Toad
Wario
Waluigi
Bowser
Koopa Troopa
Rosalina
Pauline
Baby Mario
Baby Luigi
Baby Peach
Baby Daisy
Lakitu
Toadette
Bowser Jr.
Baby Rosalina
Shy Guy
Donkey Kong
Birdo
King Boo
Wiggler
Dry Bones

New Additions in Mario Kart World

Nabbit
Cow
Goomba
Coin Coffer
Hammer Bro
Conkdor
Piranha Plant
Chargin’ Chuck
Sidestepper
Cheep Cheep
Snowman
Monty Mole
Rocky Wrench
Penguin
Dolphin
Fish Bone
Stingby
Para-Biddybud
Peepa
Pokey
Cataquack
Swoop
Spike
Pianta

Will Mario Kart World Be Available on Nintendo Switch 1?

No, Mario Kart World is exclusively launching on the Nintendo Switch 2. Observations from gameplay reveal that the title takes advantage of the enhanced capabilities of the hardware for its expansive 24-player races and improved graphics.

Release Date for Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World is set to debut on June 5, 2025, coinciding with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. The game will cost $79.99, or it can be bundled with the new console for $499.99, representing a savings of $50 compared to purchasing the console separately.

Game Modes in Mario Kart World

Seven distinct game modes have been confirmed for Mario Kart World. These are:

Grand Prix: Compete in a series of four races, accumulating points based on race placements. The competitor with the highest total points after four races is declared the winner. Notably, players will drive to the next track after each race, creating a continuous experience.
Knockout Tour: Race to checkpoints while maintaining a specified ranking to stay in the game. Falling below the required position results in elimination.
Time Trials: Attempt to achieve the fastest times on tracks, comparing your performance against developers and other players online. Participants receive three mushrooms to utilize strategically for boosts.
Vs Race: This classic mode allows up to 24 players–both human and CPU–to race in three laps on selected tracks, with fully customizable rules and CC class settings.
Battle Mode: The Battle Mode includes Balloon Battles, where players aim to pop opponents’ balloons, and Coin Runners, focusing on coin collection while inhibiting other competitors.
Free Roam: Explore the open world of Mario Kart World, take on various challenges, discover hidden secrets, and unlock outfits by collecting Dash Food, either solo or with friends.
Multiplayer: Enjoy the Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, Vs Race, Battle Mode, and Free Roam with friends online or in local multiplayer settings, including split-screen options.

Will Mario Kart World Feature DLC?

As of now, Nintendo has not announced any plans for downloadable content for Mario Kart World. However, given the franchise’s high demand and the successful DLC of Mario Kart 8, there is a strong possibility that Nintendo will release additional content in the future, which may include new characters, tracks, vehicles, or game modes.