New Mario Kart World Footage Suggests Expansive Character Lineup

Mario Kart World is poised to broaden gaming horizons by potentially allowing players to select from an impressive roster of up to 84 characters, a significant leap from previous editions. After more than a decade of anticipation, Nintendo fans are once again buzzing thanks to the reveal of this new console entry in the beloved Mario Kart series. The predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, debuted on the Nintendo Switch back in 2017, building on the success of the original Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U era.

Fans have long held Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in high regard, especially with its Booster Course Pass that introduced 48 additional tracks and eight fresh characters. This extended the game to 96 tracks and 42 characters in total, presenting a seemingly unmatched gaming experience. Yet, Nintendo has once again pushed boundaries, astonishing the crowd with Mario Kart World’s showcase during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2.

The footage presented at the Direct event showcased a remarkable leap for the series, hinting at the incredible variety available. As Mario Kart World is set to host 24-player races, offering a vast roster of characters ensures diversity and keeps every race feeling unique. Observations from the Nintendo Treehouse live reveal this next installment might introduce seven character pages, each filled with new racers.

During a recent livestream, viewers caught a glimpse of the character selection menu, which seems to support up to 84 playable characters, divided among seven pages of twelve slots each. Enthusiasts speculate that the final number could range somewhere between 73 and 84, as the last page remains a bit of a mystery.

What sets this game apart is the consideration of character variety. Despite the high character count, it remains unclear if each slot represents a unique character or if some are alternative costumes. Mario Kart World hints at offering various outfits, which might be chosen before a race or perhaps altered by new in-game items. These mechanics are still under wraps, but they could enliven races by allowing character appearances to shift as the competition progresses, making the role of each racer even more dynamic.

Adding to the excitement, new features are set to transform how players interact with this vibrant world. Mario Kart World promises expansive, interconnected landscapes ready for exploration beyond traditional tracks. Whether racing solo or with friends, either locally or online, this new Mario Kart iteration will allow up to 24 players to compete together.

Scheduled for a release on June 2, 2025, this venture beckons players to experience exhilarating races in fresh locations, from detailed cityscapes to wide-open natural wonders—all connecting seamlessly to offer an experience that goes beyond the familiar confines of circuit racing. It’s a thrilling chapter for the Mario Kart franchise, promising to redefine multiplayer gaming with its landmark release.