Mario Kart World is taking one of the best features from Mario Kart 8 and going even further with it. The latest Nintendo Direct gave fans plenty of exciting ideas of what to expect from Mario Kart World. Amidst all of these new announcements was a very welcome feature that plays off of something that was already in the latest game. Admittedly, it's not as flashy as the wild new tracks and driving skills shown off in the trailer. At the same time though, it belongs in Mario Kart just as well as everything else seen in the trailer, as cosmetics have become a key part of the series' identity.
The reveal trailer for Mario Kart World finally gave fans a detailed look at what the next game in the series has to offer. In addition to the expanded racing field that was revealed previously, fans got a look at new playable characters such as Chargin' Chuck, and new gimmicks like rail grinds. In many ways, it looks like the same Mario Kart that fans have come to know and love over the years, but the many new modes and features promise a unique experience compared to past games. Mario Kart World is definitely going to be an interesting game to watch going forward, especially for those looking to give some of Nintendo's most iconic characters a makeover.
Mario Kart World Checks a Big Item Off Players' Wish Lists
Mario Kart World stays true to its title and finally allows players to roam freely, as many fans have requested for a long time.
Mario Kart World's Cast is Getting a New Set of Cosmetics
Mario Kart World Features New Outfits For its Racers
Those who remember Mario Kart Tour's exclusive characters will remember that in addition to characters like Hammer Bro and King Bob-Omb, there were many variants of familiar characters wearing different outfits. According to Mario Kart World's reveal trailer, that's a feature that players will have access to in the new game as well. Many alternate outfits were seen, such as King Boo in an aristocratic outfit, Mario in a pilot suit, and Waluigi dressed like a biker. Previously, very few characters in console Mario Kart had any alternate outfits. However, it looks like much of the cast will have their own wardrobes.
Some characters had cosmetic options in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but they were characters with multiple colors like Yoshi and Shy Guy.
Outfit Selection is the Next Step For Mario Kart's Customization
This new set of costumes marks an upgrade for Mario Kart's customization. Ever since players gained the ability to choose their karts individually in Mario Kart: Double Dash, the series has slowly been adding more customization options. By the time of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, players could mix and match kart bodies, wheels, and parachutes to create their own custom machines for each race. Adding a selection of outfits to that list would let players show a little more extra flair when preparing for a race. Alternate outfits for a game as colorful as Mario Kart feel like a natural addition to the festivities.
Some Questions Remain About Mario Kart World's Outfit Selection
There are still some lingering questions to ask about this new addition to Mario Kart World. For one, Mario is shown eating a sandwich mid-race before changing his outfit, so whether they're costumes or power-ups is unclear. In addition, with so many characters in the game, including some rather eclectic picks like Sidestepper and Biddybud, the question of how many outfits each character will have - and how uneven that distribution might be - must be raised. After all, some characters already have plenty of options from past appearances and Mario Kart Tour. Future updates should provide more clarity on Mario Kart World's outfits in this sense.
Adding alternate outfits is the cherry on top of Mario Kart World's reveal. Mario Kart hype was already high, and Mario Kart World is looking like it may surpass previous expectations. Providing costumes for the racers was not an expected move, but it's a pleasant reveal nonetheless. With kart customization being such a prominent part of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, new character outfits feel like a logical progression. Once Mario Kart World comes out, players can look forward to racing with an extra bit of style.
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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.
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
