Nintendo has officially unveiled Mario Kart World, the next evolution in the long-running racing franchise. Set to release June 5, 2025, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, this title is shaping up to be the most ambitious Mario Kart game ever. With a host of exciting new features and gameplay innovations, fans are buzzing — and many are wondering: will Mario Kart World support cross-play?
Let’s dive into all the confirmed details and the current speculation.
✅ What’s Confirmed About Mario Kart World
🚗 Open-World Racing
For the first time in franchise history, Mario Kart will introduce open-world gameplay. Players can freely explore massive interconnected environments, drifting between cities, jungles, deserts, and classic Mario-themed zones — all without loading screens or traditional lap-based tracks.
👥 Up to 24-Player Races
Multiplayer has been supercharged. Mario Kart World will support up to 24 players per race, both online and locally. This promises more chaotic, competitive, and action-packed gameplay than ever before.
🎮 Knockout Tour Mode
A brand-new competitive mode, Knockout Tour, adds pressure and strategy. Every few minutes, the last few racers are eliminated, creating high-stakes gameplay that pushes racers to stay ahead — or be knocked out.
🌎 Free Roam Mode
Outside of racing, players can enter Free Roam Mode, where they can drive across the world, discover secret paths, unlock bonus characters, and participate in random mini-challenges. It’s Mario Kart meets open-world exploration.
🏁 Massive Character Roster
The game will launch with 40+ characters, including classic favorites like Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and surprising new additions like the Moo Moo Meadows cow and even a dolphin racer from Super Mario World.
🧠 Will Mario Kart World Support Cross-Play?
Here’s what we know — and what’s still unclear.
Nintendo has not officially confirmed cross-play support for Mario Kart World. However, some recent details and rumors suggest it could happen:
- 🗣️ Nintendo is introducing GameShare features on the Switch 2, allowing local multiplayer using one digital copy of the game across multiple consoles.
- 💬 Voice chat integration and online matchmaking improvements point toward a stronger online infrastructure than previous Mario Kart entries.
- 🔄 Cross-play between Switch 2 and the original Switch has not been ruled out. Nintendo has acknowledged that some titles will support cross-generation play, but has not specified if Mario Kart World is one of them.
Speculation: Given the multiplayer focus and the pressure from other major franchises offering cross-play, there’s a solid chance Nintendo may explore this option — if not at launch, potentially in a post-release update.
💸 Pricing & Editions
- Digital Edition: £66.99 / $69.99 USD
- Physical Edition: £74.99 / $79.99 USD
While this is a price increase compared to earlier Mario Kart games, fans are hoping the added content and longevity justify the cost.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Mario Kart World is shaping up to be a bold reinvention of the franchise. With open-world maps, massive multiplayer support, and new gameplay modes, it’s more than just another sequel — it’s a total refresh of what Mario Kart can be.
Cross-play remains a big question, but all signs point to Nintendo making strides in online features. Whether you’re racing solo, competing with friends, or exploring its vibrant world, Mario Kart World could be the most exciting entry yet.
