Nintendo recently held a Mario Kart World Direct to showcase the flagship game that will be launching with the Switch 2 in June. However, despite the excitement over the new features of the game, there was significant backlash over the $80 price tag that was revealed. This sparked concerns among players, particularly in light of the already high price of the Switch 2 and the potential impact of tariffs on gaming console prices. The current price of new games across different platforms is around $70, making the $80 price for Mario Kart World stand out.
The Mario Kart World Direct provided a detailed overview of the game, emphasizing its expansive world and new features. Players will have the freedom to roam the map, allowing for a different racing experience where staying on the track is optional. The game will feature new courses such as Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, Starview Peak, and Boo Cinema, as well as reimagined tracks from older games. Additionally, three new racers – Goomba, Spike, and Cow – have been introduced, along with new items like the Coin Shell, Ice Flower, Mega Mushroom, and Feather.
The game will offer two racing tours: Grand Prix and Knockout Tour. In Grand Prix, players can choose from three cups – Mushroom, Flower, and Star – and compete in multiple races to earn points and win the cup. The Knockout Tour is similar but requires players to place in each race to progress. Players will also have the opportunity to explore the Mario Kart World map between races, where hidden coins and panels, as well as quest triggers, can be found. Yoshi drive-thrus will offer food that unlocks new outfits for characters.
A notable addition to Mario Kart World is the Rewind function, which allows players to rewind during a race to correct mistakes or reach platforms. However, using this function can potentially impact the outcome of the race, as other racers will continue forward. Multiplayer options include split-screen for local play on one system, supporting up to four players, and online races that can accommodate up to 24 players. The Switch 2 Camera and GameChat feature will allow players racing against each other online to see their faces displayed over their characters.
Mario Kart World is set to launch on June 5 for $80 as a standalone game, with a Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle available for $500. Nintendo mentioned during the Direct that this bundle will be offered for a limited time. The game’s expansive world, new features, and multiplayer options have generated excitement among fans, despite concerns over the price. With the release of the game and the Switch 2 drawing closer, players are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience the latest installment in the beloved Mario Kart series.
