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Mario Kart World release date: Nintendo is changing up the Mario Kart formula for the Switch 2's biggest launch title

We're excited to see how Nintendo delivers on the concept of an open-world racing game.

Switch 2 Mario Kart World
Image credit: Nintendo

For the first time in the series’ long history, Nintendo is taking things off-road with Mario Kart World. The game is expected to be the biggest launch title for Switch 2, which should give you a good idea of when the game will be released. Mario Kart World’s release date is coming sooner than you might think, and we can’t wait to finally play it.

As the biggest launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, the company is really trying to bring something new to the Mario Kart franchise. So, along with a huge roster of racers and tracks, they’re opening the world up to players for the first time. When Mario Kart World releases on June 5, 2025, players will be able to go off-road to find new ways to get across the tracks, find shortcuts, or just explore to their hearts’ content. It is something we didn’t know we needed from Mario Kart.

We don’t know exactly how this open-world setup will impact the iconic racing series, but it is at least a sign that Nintendo is looking to use the Switch 2’s improved hardware to deliver something we’ve never seen before from them. An open-world racing game is something we’ve not played before, which is saying something. Of course, it looks just as chaotic and fun as Mario Kart has always been, complete with those dastardly Blue Shells getting in the way of our victory.

Mario Kart World comes out on June 5, 2025 as the biggest launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. 


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Trent Cannon

Trent Cannon: Trent is a freelance writer who has been covering anime, video games, and pop culture for a decade. (He/Him)

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