Mario Kart World is the biggest game launching on Switch, and we just got a hefty 15-minute showcase of what to expect – here's all we learned, including when you can play itTech14:50, 17 Apr 2025Updated 14:52, 17 Apr 2025Mario Kart World is Nintendo's big Switch 2 launch title(Image: Nintendo)Mario Kart World is likely to be the big system seller for Nintendo Switch 2, with the company making it the premier launch title – and for good reason, judging by our hands-on time with the game and console last week.The game got its own special Nintendo Direct presentation today, revealing a whole host of information about courses, racers, items, and much, much more.‌Here's everything we learned about Mario Kart World, including when you can buy it and that eye-watering price. Did it live up to expectations?We already knew that Mario Kart World would be a launch title for Nintendo Switch, meaning it'll launch on June 5.Article continues belowThe price is proving to be contentious, though. Mario Kart World will retail for £75 in the UK, although it is discounted if you buy it with the Switch 2.It's also worth noting that the game is a Switch 2 exclusive – so it won't run on the Switch 1.Each track certainly looks colourful(Image: Nintendo)‌As part of the Nintendo Direct on April 17, we got to see more of the tracks you can find in the open world racer.Mario Bros Circuit has a dusty, canyon-esque vibe, while Crown City offers an urban track. Salty Salty Speedway is full of water, while Starview Peak is icy.Boo Cinema is a "ghostly movie theater", while Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario Shipyard were also mentioned.‌In fact, there are other reimagined classic tracks returning, so it'll be fun to find all of those during our adventures.Fans have gone wild for the arrival of the Cow as a playable racer(Image: Nintendo)So far, we've seen the following confirmed as returning characters:‌MarioLuigiToadDonkey KongPeachDaisyRosalinaYoshiBowserNew characters include Goomba, Spike, Cow, and Lakitu – with many, many more shown.There's some variety in the vehicles, too, suggesting the customisable karts and bikes from Mario Kart 8 will return.‌Characters can eat food while exploring to change outfits(Image: Nintendo)Mario Kart World's main modes are Grand Prix and Knockout Tour, with the former being familiar to longtime fans, albeit with the twist of driving to be the first at each track between the sanctioned races.Knockout Tour feels more akin to a battle royale, with players not placing highly enough being eliminated as they pass through checkpoints.‌Elsewhere, Battle Mode returns, while VS Race offers customisable race parameters and up to four teams, while there are Time Trials, too.Free Roam is packed with secrets, including secret Coins and Panels, and features an extensive photo mode.Expect plenty of vehicle options(Image: Nintendo)‌It's not Mario Kart without new Items to use to help you finish first, and there are some doozies here.The Coin Shell spits out currency you (and opponents can snag), while Kamek can transform rivals with seemingly random effects.Hammers land in an arc, and stick around on the track to block opponents off, the Ice Flower freezes your rivals, the Mega Mushroom allows you to run over other vehicles, and the feather lets you dodge items and find shortcuts.Article continues belowThere are new abilities, too. Wall Riding is a new tool to help you stay off the ground, while a new Charge Jump can help you jump to new pathways and over incoming attacks.Finally, you can rewind time during a race, but doing so will cost you your position.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌