An Open World, 24-Player Races, and an Unlockable Rainbow Road: Mario Kart World Makes a Big Splash in the Latest Nintendo Direct!

The Mario Kart World Direct delivered exactly what fans had been hoping for: Nintendo is shaking up its iconic franchise in a major way. Set to launch on June 5, 2025, for the Switch 2, this new entry isn’t just adding a few tracks and characters — it’s completely redefining the series with a full open world and the triumphant return of the legendary Rainbow Road. Here’s everything you need to know from this already unforgettable presentation.

For the first time ever, Mario Kart won’t be confined to a series of isolated tracks. Instead, players will drive freely through a fully connected world, featuring a wide variety of environments — from bustling cities to scorching deserts, peaceful plains, dense forests, and even vast oceans. This open world isn’t just for show; it’s the core of the gameplay. Every race track is linked to the others by drivable roads, and the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. Thanks to the “Cruise” mode, players can explore at their own pace, discover hidden coins, take on challenges, and experience dynamic weather and a day/night cycle that keeps things fresh every session.

Another major shift: races will now feature up to 24 players — the biggest number in the franchise's history. For fans of chaotic online or split-screen action, this is a total game changer. With items flying, strategic blocks, and well-timed boosts, the mayhem is bound to be wild — and awesome.

When it comes to game modes, Nintendo is thinking big. Grand Prix has been redesigned to fit the open world: you travel from track to track seamlessly, with no loading screens. A brand-new Survival Mode joins the lineup, with a simple rule: stay at the top or get knocked out. The classic Battle Mode returns too, now more intense and strategic than ever. And of course, there’s Cruise Mode, for players who’d rather explore at their own pace, complete challenges, or just chill with friends.

And then there’s Rainbow Road — the ultimate icon. Yes, it’s back, but this time it’s not available from the start. To unlock it, you’ll need to complete every track in the game at least once. No cheats, no shortcuts — just pure effort. It’s Nintendo’s way of restoring the prestige of this mythical course, renowned for its difficulty and stunning atmosphere. While they haven’t revealed the new version yet, expectations are sky-high for a visually breathtaking track, redesigned to take full advantage of the Switch 2 and the open world format.

Gameplay is getting deeper too. Mario Kart World introduces new mechanics like charged jumps, rail grinding, and wall driving, adding even more strategy to every race. Karts will be more customizable than ever, and new items can be collected from drive-in style spots scattered around the map.

In short, Mario Kart World isn’t just the next installment — it’s a bold reimagining of the entire franchise.