Despite the turmoil surrounding Nintendo, the pricing of the Switch 2 and its games, and the looming impact of Trump’s Tariffs on the Switch 2’s launch, the latest look at Mario Kart World has us excited for a new installment in the Mario Kart franchise.

Today’s announcement was focused mostly on revealing more details about the open world and free roam aspects of Mario Kart World. From the jump, this new experience is all about making Mario Kart more immersive, and while you may say it’s long overdue, we’re hyped regardless. You can drive around the big map Mario Kart World will offer, visiting the various raceways you can play, but you can also unlock mini-missions by finding random P buttons.

As you explore, you can also stop by Yoshi’s new fast food joint, with multiple locations throughout the world, and actually unlock special outfits for your driver, which you can then equip later in the menu. Finally, the driver you select to burn rubber with has a more personal feel to them. Mario Kart’s format has long been the same, and while your go-to driver is a part of your identity, now that choice feels less transactional. Another new feature that’s available in free roam is photo mode, which allows you to stop at any moment, pose your character and save a photo. Simple yes, but for a franchise that has such a loyal following, it’s a great feature to finally add.

Free roam isn’t just a solo experience too. You can drive around online or locally with your friends, making the social experience of Mario Kart that much more ingrained in the game itself. Add the Switch 2’s new voice chat and video chat features to that mix, and you can take your trash talking to another level, and just vibe out with your friends that much more.

On top of those reveals, Nintendo also announced new maps coming to the game, like Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Starview Peak, and Boo Cinema, on top of new drivers and items. Nostalgic maps are also confirmed for Mario Kart World, being integrated throughout the world map. And of course, they confirmed Rainbow Road will also be featured, although it looks like you’ll have to specially unlock it through your gameplay. They even announced a rewind function so you can quickly go back and nail that jump, at the expense of being passed by other racers. Not going to lie, if you rewind in a race with your friends, you should prepare to get clowned, but I digress. Throw in the previously announced 24-player races, the rail grinding and new charge-jump feature, and Mario Kart World is honestly looking like a dope new entry in the longstanding franchise.

For now the biggest flag remains the price, which is all tied up in Nintendo’s struggles with tariffs and the release of the Switch 2, so honestly the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle is going to be a truly great deal. The only problem will actually be securing one with both pre-orders and regular stock expected to sell out damn near instantly…

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