Summary
- The feather item returns to regular races in Mario Kart World after nearly 33 years.
- The feather ability may change Mario Kart racing dynamics, offering a new option to counter the blue shell.
- Nintendo hopes Mario Kart World will be a system seller for the Switch 2.
Mario Kart World appears to have a new way of countering the dreaded blue shell, thanks to the return of the feather item to normal races. Ahead of the Switch 2 launch on June 5, Nintendo is revealing more information about the console and its games, including Mario Kart World.
With players waiting over a decade since the last brand-new Mario Kart on console, Mario Kart World has a lot riding on its success. As a launch title, Nintendo hopes the racing game can continue the series' success by being a system seller for the Switch 2. With this in mind, the developer has teased many features available in the game. Among the details revealed were some items that could help make races even more exciting.
Mario Kart World Could Be the Series' Own Zelda: Breath of the Wild
If Mario Kart World's new open-world structure works, Nintendo may adopt the format long-term, just as it did with Zelda after Breath of the Wild.
Specifically, Nintendo showcased the feather ability and what it could potentially do during a Treehouse presentation. At the 9:20 mark of the video, the player could be seen using the feather to try and dodge a blue shell. Despite not being explicitly stated by the Treehouse employees, it was clear from the interaction that the player had attempted to time the use of the feather ability to avoid the blue shell. While they mistimed the item usage, one of the employees who was not racing responded by saying, “I respect what you were trying to do there.”
Mario Kart World's Feather Can Potentially Counter Blue Shells
The addition of the feather in Mario Kart World is significant. While the item could be used in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it was limited to the Battle Mode. The last time the feather was featured in normal races was in the original Super Mario Kart from nearly 33 years ago. In that game, the item allowed players to do a spin jump to avoid obstacles. Since that game did not include the blue shell, Mario Kart World would be the first time it could be used to counter the first-place-seeking item. This would add another option for avoiding blue shells, as the super horn from Mario Kart 8 is set to return.
It will be interesting to see how the feather impacts races in Mario Kart World. Over the years, the blue shell has developed an infamous reputation among many players. Even though the item, first introduced in Mario Kart 64, looks to prevent one player from breaking away from the pack, it has also cost players races that would have otherwise been easily won. The return of the feather could help balance the power of the blue shell. However, it is hard to tell how difficult it is to dodge using the feather, as the Treehouse employee was unsuccessful in their attempted evasion.
While Nintendo has already revealed many details, a Mario Kart World-focused Direct on April 17 will provide a deeper look into the game’s features and modes. With the new Knockout Mode, free-roam gameplay, and tons of new characters and customizations, the game could be an exciting installment in the popular series.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- June 5, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
Hit the open road with Mario and friends! Zip around courses in a vast world where everything is connected. Race along grassy plains, bustling cities, wide-open waters, big ol' volcanos, and more—plus everything in between.
A sprawling world of courses. Speed across plains, cities, water, volcanos, and much more. Everything is connected!
Go beyond the course. There's more to racing than just the course. Hop off the course and race the distance to the next one!
Free Roam - Drive wherever your heart takes you. Where to? That's up to you! Take off in any direction in this new mode. Explore areas that pique your interest, and maybe even snap some in-game pics at scenic spots.
Play Together - Have a blast with friends, whether near or far. Up to 4 players can race on the same system. Play using your choice of button controls or motion controls. Attach a Joy-Con 2 controller to the optional Joy-Con 2 wheel accessory to wheely feel like you're driving. You can also play using Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers connected wirelessly.
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Prequel(s)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Franchise
- Mario Kart
- Number of Players
- 1-24
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
