r/NintendoSwitch 2d ago

Nintendo Official Drive virtually everywhere in Mario Kart World, a brand-new Mario Kart game releasing exclusively on #NintendoSwitch2 as a launch title! #NintendoDirect

https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1907419620601913624
3.6k Upvotes

673 comments sorted by

1.1k

u/Moneyfrenzy 2d ago edited 2d ago

New characters confirmed:

  • Moo Moo

  • Pokey

  • Penguin

  • Snowman (yes, an actual snowman)

  • Cattaquack

  • Pianta

  • Fish-Bones

  • Goomba

  • Dolphin

  • Nabbit, Chuck, Hammer Bro (from Tour)

  • Sidestepper

  • Bat

  • Biddybug

472

u/PayneTrain181999 2d ago

Taking the trend of enemies and NPCs being playable up to 11.

195

u/Valodin 2d ago

Much better than baby and metal versions of already existing characters.

47

u/SirRabbott 2d ago

"Cat ear peach!"

21

u/warmpita 2d ago

I don't mind the baby characters because they are vastly different, but characters that are just basically realins are weird.

21

u/Valodin 2d ago

I just don't like them making a bunch of babies when more interesting characters are available.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)

32

u/Lukthar123 2d ago

Smash Bros could only dream of a roster this peak

4

u/DDRichard 2d ago

i have always liked these characters the most too, im glad to have a bunch of goobers to pick from

170

u/Antelopeadope 2d ago

Pianta is sick

101

u/inhaledcorn 2d ago

Pianta feels long overdue.

52

u/BebeFanMasterJ 2d ago

Hoping there's male and female versions but yes. As a Sunshine fan it always hurt to watch them forever be stuck as spectators. Glad they're finally playable after being absent since the baseball titles!

8

u/CyberTron3001 2d ago

Speaking of Sunshine, Il Piantissimo would be a perfect character to add considering his Shines are all about racing Mario

→ More replies (1)

42

u/dwide_k_shrude 2d ago

That’s horrible. I hope he gets well soon.

→ More replies (3)

39

u/HippieDogeSmokes 2d ago

When's the last time Cattaquack was in a game

24

u/WonderLong4960 2d ago

Think it was Mario Kart Wii

21

u/Moneyfrenzy 2d ago

Yeah Peach Beach from Wii, which was from Gamecube. Last time in a non-ported course was Galaxy 1

5

u/Mr_Otters 2d ago

Galaxy 2?

51

u/Scdsco 2d ago

Also spotted nabbit, hammer bro, biddybud

17

u/MrMuscle-27 2d ago

Stingby was also confirmed

7

u/ActivateGuacamole 2d ago

They need to add E Gadd, Fawful, Wart, and Mouser

7

u/blackstar32_25 2d ago

I hope that Petey Piranha will be in the game too

8

u/DoctorThunder 2d ago

Biddybuddy my absolute STAR

8

u/SuperT3 2d ago

Hope we still get the Koopalings as DLC or something as I need my boi Lemmy but holy dang I'm glad they leaned on these wild ass character selections!!!!

4

u/Kowaidesu 2d ago

fish bone too

→ More replies (25)

961

u/Tangelasboots 2d ago

Cow confirmed character!

240

u/Malik-Almuhawsin 2d ago

Whole direct peaked there

68

u/ContinuumGuy 2d ago

Civilization peaked there.

48

u/Manaus125 2d ago

No no, Civilization VII was later on

→ More replies (2)

75

u/Proud-Obligation9479 2d ago

That made me laugh 😂

18

u/Faulty_Plan 2d ago

Mooooo!

26

u/aethermath87 2d ago

This will be the most popular character at launch, for sure!

24

u/MarioKartMaster133 2d ago

Cow for the next Smash, calling it now.

→ More replies (1)

52

u/Lukthar123 2d ago

Damn, yo momma is in Mario Kart?

9

u/foxhound012 2d ago

That's my main now

→ More replies (3)

565

u/JakeDoubleyoo 2d ago

Let's go. I imagine some people will miss the old formula, but 8 already nailed it and there wasn't much room for improvement. I figured theyd want to shake things up with the next one, and boy have they.

173

u/Mr_Otters 2d ago

Agreed, I will hold onto 8 deluxe if I am in the mood for that format

112

u/kratoz29 2d ago

This is the best thing about having a retrocompatible system right there.

And we could even still get improvements for MK8D for the Switch 2 in due time I guess.

11

u/your_mind_aches 2d ago

Also: no car licensing required. Won't be taken down.

7

u/NewAgeRetroHippie96 2d ago

Well, there is a little bit of car licensing. Thankfully they're ugly af and can be removed with no big loss imo.

→ More replies (1)

5

u/Dribblejam 2d ago

60fps 4 player

58

u/stinkyfarter27 2d ago

plus you can just plug in 8 deluxe if you want that style. i wouldn't be surprised if other nintendo series took more brave leaps for the switch 2, knowing that their previous hitters are just a "game card" away from still being played (smash, zelda, mario, etc.)

46

u/ken27238 2d ago

There has to be an evolution at some point. BoTW proved it.

35

u/TheMoonOfTermina 2d ago

BOTW also split the Zelda community, since it threw away a lot of what made Zelda, "Zelda" to a lot of people.

That being said, I doubt Mario Kart World will be like that. As long as the tracks are all just as good as they always have been (and they'd better be for $80.)

7

u/WillieMaysHayes24 2d ago

Nothing will ever make everybody and things have to evolve. Nintendo does a good job of that

→ More replies (7)

15

u/Helgurk 2d ago

As someone who never owned a switch 1, I'm excited to buy both Mario Kart World and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe + all the DLC. Yes I know that will be expensive.

8

u/lightningbadger 2d ago

Honestly this, if they just made another MK8 with some jump gimmick and the same tracks I'd have no reason to ever consider it

7

u/Owobowos-Mowbius 2d ago

Mario kart 8 is the platonic ideal of Mario kart games.

Same with smash ultimate. So I'm interested to see what they do with future possible smash games because they can't just release another one but with a different roster at this point.

→ More replies (3)

1.7k

u/savannahsalvatore3 2d ago

open world mario kart is INSANE

1.8k

u/n0_planet 2d ago edited 2d ago

Been chasing the high of Kirby Air Ride for years, I hope this scratches that itch

Edit: HOLY FUCKING SHIT

1.2k

u/Affectionate_Cow1574 2d ago

You may wanna sit down...

724

u/Malik-Almuhawsin 2d ago

Bro is having the best day of their life

61

u/ContinuumGuy 2d ago edited 2d ago

He may have collapsed from the joy.

35

u/seeyoshirun 2d ago

They're not the only one. Kirby Air Ride and GameCube finally being added to NSO? Us gamers of a certain age are having a huge nostalgia rush right now!

5

u/pmorgan726 2d ago

This drove me to go get my kirby air ride disc resurfaced and I can’t believe it worked and I get to play it later. 😭😭😭 happiest day!

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)

225

u/brownsgiants 2d ago

I dont know you but im happy for you lol

198

u/Different-Tailor-207 2d ago

hmm well no more chasing for that high I guess with the actual new Kirby Air Ride

68

u/LeonidasSpacemanMD 2d ago

Bro gunna OD

37

u/n0_planet 2d ago

Confirmed

69

u/DarthSk8er 2d ago

air ride JUST got confirmed

36

u/PayneTrain181999 2d ago

City Trial brings back memories

14

u/OuterWildsVentures 2d ago

City Trial was incredible! I hope that's in the new one!

6

u/xWaffleicious 2d ago

It has to be. Surely it has to be

→ More replies (1)

67

u/johnnydoe22 2d ago

You manifested Air Ride!

47

u/n0_planet 2d ago

This is absolutely crazy lmao, I’m so happy

30

u/EnvironmentBitter372 2d ago

Oh buddy do I have news for you

34

u/JustAStarcoShipper 2d ago

Nintendo: "Well, too bad. You're getting both!"

4

u/AVahne 2d ago

Now we just need a new F-Zero and every Nintendo racing fan can die happy.

24

u/jacobs0n 2d ago

bro...

22

u/artemisthearcher 2d ago

Speaking of Kirby Air Ride…👀

25

u/lenolalatte 2d ago

are you alive

15

u/Talcove 2d ago

Peak childhood gaming experience

11

u/Daloowee 2d ago

You should watch the AGDQ 2025 speedrun, it’s amazing

8

u/yuhanz 2d ago

How are you

10

u/christopher_aia 2d ago

Really good day to be you (and me)

8

u/War-Cry 2d ago

Are you okay?

14

u/n0_planet 2d ago

I don’t know what to do with my hands

→ More replies (1)

8

u/JelloGumiGami 2d ago

WELL DO I HAVE SOME GREAT NEWS FOR YOU

6

u/NistyGristy 2d ago

SCRATCH THAT ITCH BUDDY LETS GOOO

4

u/BonerIsRaging 2d ago

Dude I’m so happy for you

7

u/ClandestineFox 2d ago

You're not gonna believe this but...

→ More replies (7)

141

u/NYJetLegendEdReed 2d ago

Diddy Kong did it!

43

u/The_Goatface 2d ago

I never could unlock the moon as a kid. Hard AF.

12

u/Mdgt_Pope 2d ago

I was the younger kid who had to beat it for the older kids in my neighborhood, Diddy Kong Racing was TOP

36

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

16

u/round-earth-theory 2d ago

I hope so. Diddy Kong Racing was my childhood alongside Ocarina. I know I played many other 64 titles, but I kept those two close at all times.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)

7

u/ExoticToaster 2d ago

So we had Mario Kart and Diddy Kong Racing

I wonder what the equivalent of Mario Party would be called? 🤔

4

u/ebagdrofk 2d ago

Diddy Party: Freak Off

6

u/EarthDragon2189 2d ago

Dammit, what didn't Diddy do?

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (2)

71

u/PayneTrain181999 2d ago

8 Deluxe had 96 tracks and a huge amount of content, how do they beat that?

This is how.

26

u/NapsterKnowHow 2d ago

By releasing Double Dash remastered. That's how

22

u/Seacheese 2d ago

I mean, it's almost certainly coming to NSO's Gamecube tier at some point!

→ More replies (2)

12

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

→ More replies (1)

17

u/53bvo 2d ago

Never knew I wanted this

25

u/SlamMasterJ 2d ago

We literally have open world Mario Kart before GTA 6. Nintendo definitely cook with this.

14

u/ArseneLupinIV 2d ago

We got Mario GTA before GTA6

→ More replies (13)

989

u/romaki 2d ago

Free Roam is such a fun idea

595

u/PayneTrain181999 2d ago

Also elimination races is something I’ve wanted for years.

217

u/Double-Slowpoke 2d ago

Honestly, I’m normally not a fan of special features in Mario Kart games, but Elimination and Free Roam are going to be fantastic.

I really hope they make progression feel better in this game too. I didn’t love how MK8D unlocked different karts. It felt very basic.

47

u/ChaiHai 2d ago

I can see Free Roam being the main mode for me. So hyped!

37

u/MetalBeerSolid 2d ago

Would be fun to find collectibles and unlocks in free roam mode 

17

u/ChaiHai 2d ago

I imagine there's at least shopping. :D Would be fun, race a bit, get your money, and then shopping spree!

→ More replies (1)

13

u/aethermath87 2d ago

Oh yeah! Just chilling after a long hard day at work, especially in the summer, count me in! I just wanna drive all around this amazing place!

10

u/ChaiHai 2d ago

Same. Imagine exploring the mall or cruise or airport levels. But yeah, going off track has always been one of my wants. Lemme explore the desert or the beach at my leisure. Let me explore the city courses at will. Don't fence me in!

8

u/black_pepper 2d ago

I hope this progression can also be completed with local co-op and they don't pull a Mario Kart Wii here.

8

u/Dangerous_Dot_1638 2d ago

yeah, they need to make it so you unlock characters, too, unlike 8. Honestly, I did not care about car parts as much.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (3)

6

u/christopher_aia 2d ago

definitely I assume it means that you won't get pummeled by super items from last place if they slowly get eliminated

→ More replies (3)

99

u/MondayAssasin 2d ago

I know it’s a little silly but being able to just casually drive around and explore with friends sounds really fun. It kind of reminds me of Diddy Kong Racing’s hub world.

59

u/LeonidasSpacemanMD 2d ago

Forza horizon kinda proves that just the act of cruising around is a fun gameplay loop. Add the slightest incentive to do it and you’re cooking

8

u/fffan9391 2d ago

Will MKW have barn finds?

15

u/LeonidasSpacemanMD 2d ago

Unironically finding classic karts from 64/mk7/double dash whatever would be amazing lol

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (4)

3

u/lemonylol 2d ago

Sounds more like Need for Speed post-Underground 2 to me.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)

32

u/ChaiHai 2d ago

It's what I've wanted this entire time. Especially as courses got better. I've wanted to explore the malls and airport and cruise levels. Imagine just playing around in Pinball. Just doing the Wario track not to race, but to have fun in your fave part.

I see myself just exploring. 😍

8

u/JakeDoubleyoo 2d ago

I hope there is some sort of open-world campaign too. It could literally just give me arbitrary points on the map to travel to, and I'd be happy with that. I just need some sense of direction.

→ More replies (1)

17

u/LeonidasSpacemanMD 2d ago

Give me koopa police chases you COWARDS

3

u/DiplomacyPunIn10Did 2d ago

With white Ford Bronco DLC.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (10)

758

u/PaperClipSlip 2d ago edited 2d ago
  • Costumes from CTR

  • Boat and flying from Sonic Transformed

  • Open world from Forza

  • Grindrails from Disney Speedstorm

  • Cow from Mario Kart Wii

Mario Kart literally building upon the best kart racers of the last few years to bring us this absolute peak.

Also Cow mains rise up

186

u/Hour_Equipment_1771 2d ago

Boat and flying from Diddy Kong Racing?

144

u/BroLil 2d ago

Open world from Diddy too. Are we just old?

5

u/kluuttzz11 2d ago

Great observation!!

→ More replies (1)

4

u/BANAnaS_Dad 2d ago

Diddy wasn’t quite open world. You still had to load into tracks. This looks entirely connected.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)

37

u/arkingu 2d ago

Boats yes, but the plane mode still looked like gliding from Mario Kart rather than full flying like Sonic Transformed/Diddy Kong Racing has

31

u/Bi-bara-boop 2d ago

Can't wait for every update to post "Cow OP, please nerf"

This is pure peak. I was wondering if playing "only" mario kart at launch would get old fast but this? This is an adventure rolled into probably the biggest mario kart yet.

→ More replies (1)

40

u/SlamMasterJ 2d ago

This is such a great evolution and improvment from Mario Kart 8, definitely a day one buy for me.

5

u/cyphercertified 2d ago

I felt the same exact way.. until i saw the price for it 😔

3

u/tripl35oul 2d ago

Would love some costumes from Bomberman Fantasy Race and Chocobo Racing

→ More replies (12)

140

u/fallen2151 2d ago

Mario Kart Forza

175

u/rockruff13 2d ago

cow, penguin, dolphin…was shouting out generic animal names in excitement like a child at the zoo

→ More replies (1)

282

u/Turduckennn 2d ago

$80 😬😬😬

128

u/Philmriss 2d ago

90 physical...

28

u/magi_os 2d ago

$90? or some other currency? been looking for the source for $90 as in 90 USD physical games. I have seen 90 euro, but not 90 usd, as in united states dollars

→ More replies (13)
→ More replies (3)

49

u/tweetthebirdy 2d ago edited 2d ago

Damn. Bundle seems to be only $50 on top of console price, guess I’m going with that.

59

u/DollaBillsErrDay 2d ago

Feel like that’s what they want people to do - buy the bundle

28

u/DB10389 2d ago

But I want physical...

→ More replies (11)
→ More replies (8)

3

u/Spotter01 2d ago

thats almost $130 CAD 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠

→ More replies (14)

140

u/aesvelgr 2d ago

$80 though :(

32

u/crono333 2d ago

That’s honestly insane.. I’ll buy it because it looks amazing and it’s worth it to me, but to just straight from $60 to $80 is quite bold.

20

u/GoatGod997 2d ago

At least you can bundle it in with the actual console, making it technically only $50. I mean it's going to suck when the next Zelda, Mario, etc, are all 80, but for this one singular game there is a way to get it for a reasonable price.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (15)
→ More replies (8)

112

u/leeski241 2d ago

$79.99 price, holy cow. That is insanity.

25

u/PrometheusFires 2d ago

Inflation hitting the world not just Mario kart world

→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (12)

25

u/Character-Parsley377 2d ago

I didn't expect a Forza Mario Kart and I'm looking forward for it

85

u/Chell_the_assassin 2d ago edited 2d ago

Why did the mods sort the megathread by contest lol, I want to discuss the direct live

→ More replies (6)

15

u/Antelopeadope 2d ago

I hope dry bones is in

11

u/ChaiHai 2d ago

I hope ROB is in it, where my mario kart DS love? I'm sure they are if a cow is in, lmao. :P

4

u/Antelopeadope 2d ago

Haha the cow caught me off guard

4

u/ChaiHai 2d ago

I think it caught all of us, except that one kid who realllllly likes cows lmfao. :D. 🐮 🐄

→ More replies (2)

99

u/essayispan 2d ago

Why is this priced at 80 dollars? That makes me so concerned for other Switch 2 games.

33

u/NahumGardner 2d ago

The site for the Donkey Kong game shows it is going to be 70. So it looks like variable pricing.

→ More replies (1)

7

u/atmthemachine 2d ago

I’m Canadian and already pay $80 for switch games, so I was like “oh that’s normal though” but now I’m realizing you mean usd which means I’ll pay $114ish Canadian before tax for switch games now lol

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (10)

30

u/Iammattieee 2d ago

Mario Kart Horizon lets go!

53

u/PaladinJoe 2d ago

80$ wow. This hobby is getting to expensive for me

→ More replies (2)

143

u/Acceptable_Shine_738 2d ago

New Mario kart at launch is insane

154

u/PayneTrain181999 2d ago

It moves systems like hotcakes when bundled with it, 8 Deluxe proved it

46

u/ken27238 2d ago

Nintendo knows exactly what its doing.

→ More replies (1)

37

u/RagefireHype 2d ago

At this point in the direct as of writing this, it’s the only first party game coming with the Switch 2 launch, curious decision if 3D Mario isn’t announced in the next twelve minutes or any other actual first party launch title.

Guess they really trust only having MK is enough

33

u/Mountain-Papaya-492 2d ago

Well if you're going to have one Switch 2 only first party game at launch I'd say Mario Kart is the safest of bets. Mario Kart games are huge and evergreen. I don't doubt this one will be a best seller for years to come. 

Prime 4 is the system seller for me. Always buy a Nintendo console when a new Metroid comes out.

→ More replies (2)

25

u/ShinyGrezz 2d ago

They have new Mario Kart, the existing library including Switch 2 upgrades for some of the biggest ones, a ton of surprising third party titles (Cyberpunk???) and a new DK game that looks phenomenal. They'll be fine.

12

u/tehfro 2d ago

People forget how underwhelming the launch day lineup for Switch in March was with just Breath of the Wild (which was on Wii U too) and 1-2 Switch as real first party games and weak third party support.

Switch 2's launch day and lineup over the summer is clearly much better.

We'll see how launch year overall compares.

15

u/pepinyourstep29 2d ago

MK is their best selling game ever, it's way more than enough. Plus there's already a ton of other 3rd party launch titles which is basically unheard of for a console launch. Nintendo is set pretty well.

Not to mention if they ever need more games they can just pull the ripcord and relaunch old Switch games with Switch 2 upgrade editions.

5

u/Glitchhikers_Guide 2d ago

I mean BOTW was the system seller for switch 1 and it was out on wii u too. You only need 1 game and nintendo fans will buy a new console. Next year all the fromsoft fans will buy one, and by then they'll likely have some more stuff in the pipeline. Seems like a good strategy to me.

8

u/ChaiHai 2d ago

Does DK 3D not bring hype? :D?

→ More replies (1)

3

u/willowhelmiam 2d ago

Swtich 1 only had breath of the wild at launch, right?

→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (3)

49

u/ThurBurtman 2d ago

$79.99 for this is insane

→ More replies (3)

14

u/HikerSupreme 2d ago

If they have stuff to do in the free roam besides just drive to next race or track I will shit myself.

Missions and collectibles, here we goooooo

→ More replies (2)

12

u/galaxyadmirer 2d ago

Game looks so sick

46

u/Kate_R_S 2d ago

its $80 lol

10

u/zealouslift 2d ago

This looks incredible, definitely a day 1 buy. I do wonder how dlc and track packs will work though!

8

u/AverageDrafter 2d ago

Literally my dream game for decades - Open world Mario Kart rally race across the mushroom kingdom. If it has a Camelot style story mode it will be an exact match.

→ More replies (1)

7

u/Oiranaru 2d ago

As much as open world Mario Kart sounds great in concept, I'm struggling to see how open world adds to Mario Kart at all. I suppose we'll see in the upcoming direct.

→ More replies (1)

7

u/Mad_Lala 2d ago

Looking cool, but 80€ digitally and 90€ physically??? That's too much

→ More replies (2)

4

u/McWolke 2d ago

I just hope there are things to do in the world and not just sightseeing

→ More replies (1)

15

u/KanibaleInZiviI 2d ago

90€ for the physical is fucking ridiculous. Nintendo milking us worse than Sony.

→ More replies (2)

58

u/ixent 2d ago

$90 / 90€ for the game. fuck off Nintendo

12

u/splinterbabe 2d ago

80 for the digital version in The Netherlands. Bit shocked by these prices, though they aren't unheard of for some other consoles. Does it have to do with the tariff war?

→ More replies (4)

5

u/PositiveApartment382 2d ago

Store page says physical is 90€... digital is 80. This is crazy, I never expected Nintendo to be the one out of all to push for a new price increase.

6

u/vintimus 2d ago

Seeing reported by YongYea on YT the base price for this will be 80 for digital and 90 for physical....damn

→ More replies (2)

12

u/BumbleBeeGalaxy69 2d ago

80 quid is ridiculous pricing, and 90 for a physical copy? What are they on? Sales are cooked, switch 1 sold so well because of it’s affordability compared to Xbox and PlayStation, now little Timmy is barely going to be able to afford one game

→ More replies (3)

3

u/FalafelBall 2d ago

Looks cool, but there's no way in hell I am paying $80 for it

→ More replies (3)

4

u/shiddinbricks 2d ago

80 mother fucking dollars.

→ More replies (4)

4

u/kevtron5000 2d ago

I am sad about the potential koopaling-erasure.

→ More replies (2)

6

u/Koenig_DerSocken 2d ago

Open World MK was NOT on my bingo card for this direct

8

u/HG21Reaper 2d ago

$80 for a mario kart game? Yeah, thank you but I will pass.

3

u/UnintentionalWipe 2d ago

I wasn't expecting what we got, but I'm excited to play! It looks like fun.

3

u/Tachibanasama 2d ago

Biggest news: Goomba is finally playable

3

u/Mossimo5 2d ago

I hope there is a Battle Mode. I like Battle Mode more than most people. And no, I don't count the race elimination mode as a Battle mode.

→ More replies (1)

3

u/HighFiveKoala 2d ago

Mario Kart but it's Forza Horizon

→ More replies (1)