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Mario Kart World is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game that’s set to release alongside the upcoming console’s launch, on June 5. An open-world racing game, Mario Kart World is packed full of characters, vehicles, and regions from the Mushroom Kingdom for you to explore in a free-wheeling manner. You can preorder the game now at various retailers (see it at Walmart). Let’s take a look.
Preorder Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World
Unlike many video games these days, Mario Kart World is only available in one edition. You can pick it up all by itself for $79.99, or bundled with the Switch 2 console for $499.99.
Switch 2 Super Mario Kart World Bundle
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle
If you buy the Switch 2 bundle that includes Super Mario Kart World, you can save $30 versus buying the console and game separately. Note that the console bundle includes a digital copy, so you won’t get the actual cart or game box if you go that route. If having a physical game is important enough for you that you’ll throw in an extra $30, by all means, proceed with your preorder.
Yes, the MSRP Is $79.99
Purchased by itself, the game costs $79.99, which is $10 more than standard price of AAA PlayStation and Xbox games this generation. While I don’t love seeing game prices getting hiked up between generations, I know games are more expensive to make than ever these days. In any case, I’m hopeful it indicates the scale of Mario Kart World makes it worth the extra money.
What Is Mario Kart World?
Mario Kart World promises to be the biggest Mario Kart game yet. It’s designed as an all-encompassing open world, much like the Forza Horizon series. In Grand Prix mode, you can even drive from the end of one track to the start of the next after finishing a race.
The tracks in Mario Kart World are altered by things like weather conditions and the time of day, which can affect your visibility and traction as you race around. You can also veer off the actual track at any point and drive “virtually everywhere,” according to Nintendo. Each race has 24 drivers, more than any previous Mario Kart game.
Knockout Tour is a new mode that lets you race from one corner of the open world to the other. Along the way, you’ll drive through checkpoints that have placements listed on them; if you’re lagging behind the required placement as you reach a checkpoint, you’ll be eliminated from the race.
If that sounds too hectic to you, you can choose to drive anywhere you want in the world in Free Roam mode. You can team up with friends as you leisurely cruise around, and take photos along the way.
More info about Mario Kart World is coming during an April 17 Nintendo Direct. In the meantime, take a look at our Mario Kart World hands-on preview for more info.
Other Preorder Guides
Chris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Bluesky @chrislreed.com.
