Here’s 15 minutes of new Mario Kart World gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has shown off 15 minutes of new gameplay for its highly anticipated Mario Kart World game.

In an April 17 Nintendo Direct stream, we get a look at the Switch 2 exclusive’s large explorable setting, new modes and other features.

First and foremost, Nintendo elaborated on the open-world, which features biomes like deserts, cities, oceans and more. Nintendo also teased that classic tracks have also been “reimagined and spread throughout the world. And similar to Xbox’s Forza Horizon series, Mario Kart World will let you freely drive around through its environments without needing to take part in a race.

One of the incentives to drive around the world is to visit various shops that will have randomized food items that you can collect to unlock new cosmetic items. For instance, Peach can eat some sushi and unlock a kimono-themed outfit. You can also find little missions in the world to take on or just drive leisurely with friends online and take photos together.

Outside of the open-world, Nintendo detailed some of World‘s game modes:

• Balloon Battle — the classic vs. mode in which you defeat other players using items
• Coin Runners — collect the most coins
• Grand Prix — complete races and drive through world to the next one
• Knockout Tour — one massive race throughout the world where you have to continue to place high to stay in the running
• Time Trials — race on your own or even download “ghost data” from racers around the world to compete against
• Teams — up to 24 players can face off in separate teams
• Vs. Race — customizable skirmishes against other drivers

On top of that, the Direct detailed some of the new racing features, including the ability to rewind your position (other racers still progress in real-time), a charged jump to avoid obstacles and gain some quick altitude and a Tony Hawk-style ability to grind on rails. Meanwhile, some new confirmed racers include Goomba, Spike and Cow.

Elsewhere, Nintendo showcased some new items, including:

• Coin Shell (creates path of coins in front of you)
• Feather (jump high)
• Ice Flower (freeze rivals), Hammer (throw hammers in an arc that stay on the course for a short time)
• Kamek (transforms opponent racers)
• Mega Mushroom (turn you into a giant)

Mario Kart World will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, the same day that the new console releases worldwide. The game will retail for US$79.99 (about C$110). MobileSyrup has reached out to Nintendo to confirm official Canadian pricing and will update this story once a response has been received.

If you want to save a little money, a Switch 2 console bundle including Mario Kart World will also be available for $699 in Canada. We’re still waiting on official Canadian Switch 2 pre-order timing following a delay, but rumours suggest they could start next week.

In the meantime, check out our hands-on impressions of both the Switch 2 console and its games (including Mario Kart World), as well as our interviews with the main hardware architects and Nintendo of America’s Nate Bihldorff.

Image credit: Nintendo