Summary
- Mario Kart World's Free Roam lacks local multiplayer, disappointing many fans.
- While never outright promised by Nintendo, there are other local multiplayer options in Mario Kart World.
- Fans speculate that Free Roam local co-op is missing due to technical limitations.
Players discover that Mario Kart World's Free Roam game mode is unfortunately missing a highly requested multiplayer feature. It's an exciting day for Nintendo fans as the anticipated Switch 2 console has finally launched, also giving players access to Mario Kart World, the newest entry in the long-running franchise.
Mario Kart World attempts to evolve the franchise in new ways instead of simply doubling down on what players loved about Mario Kart 8. While the traditional Grand Prix mode remains in place, players can take part in a Knockout Tour or explore the massive map in Free Roam. The character roster has expanded considerably to support the new 24-player races, and Mario Kart World even has unlockable costumes to find. However, for all the new, Mario Kart World is missing one feature that many were hoping to see included.
Some of Mario Kart World's Most Interesting Characters Come With a Disappointing Oversight
Even with a massive roster of playable characters, Nintendo confirms that some of them won't have access to a big Mario Kart World feature.
With players checking out the new Mario Kart World game modes, like free roam, new discoveries continue to be made. Unfortunately, one highly requested feature from fans seemingly didn't make the cut as the Free Roam mode doesn't include a local multiplayer option. So, for players who were hoping to hop into the huge Free Roam map with a friend or family member on the same couch, that won't be an option.
Mario Kart World Free Roam Doesn't Support Local Multiplayer
The revelation may come as a bit of a surprise to players as multiplayer was a big component of Mario Kart World's reveal. Players are able to hop online with friends and partake in the various game modes, with Nintendo also showing off the Switch 2's GameChat feature to further enhance the experience with voice and through the camera. Nintendo hasn't specified why Free Roam local co-op has been omitted, though many are speculating it is likely due to technological restrictions, as there are other games, like Forza Horizon 5, which also don't feature local co-op.
Due to the probable technical limitations for local co-op, fans shouldn't expect to see it added down the road either. However, Nintendo has teased that it has plans for post-launch content for Mario Kart World outside of simply keeping the game updated with bug fixes and other improvements. While Mario Kart 8 added both racers and courses post-launch, Mario Kart World could also add a 200cc mode after it didn't make the launch of the game.
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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.
- 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
