Nintendo has all but confirmed that Rainbow Road will be featured in Mario Kart World, set to launch this summer. However, players won’t immediately have access to this iconic track. To unlock Rainbow Road, they must first “conquer” all Grand Prix cups. As Nintendo hinted, “a certain colorful course will become available” once players meet this requirement.

During today’s Mario Kart World Direct presentation, a vibrant beam leading into the sky hinted at the beloved Rainbow Road.

Nintendo revealed additional details, including that players will have the opportunity to engage in “hundreds of missions” during Free Roam mode. Let’s explore what’s in store.

Alongside Rainbow Road, new tracks have been confirmed for Mario Kart World, such as the icy Starview Peak and the eerie Boo Cinema, in addition to returning classics like Toad’s Factory, Peach Beach, and Wario’s Galleon.

Here’s the list of tracks confirmed for Mario Kart World:

• Mario Bros. Circuit
• Crown City
• Salty Salty Speedway
• Starview Peak
• Boo Cinema
• Toad’s Factory
• Peach Beach
• Wario’s Galleon

Players will once again be able to race as Mario, while new characters such as Cow, Spike, and Goomba will also be joining the fun. This raises questions about how Goomba drives without arms—and let’s not forget about King Boo’s driving skills!

These characters will be able to utilize new items, including Kamek, whose magical abilities can “transform” opponents into Chargin’ Chucks—those hefty Koopas clad in football gear. Nintendo teased, “What other mysterious effects will occur?” leaving fans curious.

Here’s a selection of items that will be included in Mario Kart World, mixing old favorites with exciting new additions:

• Coin Shell (creates coins)
• Ice Flower (Ices rivals and sends them spinning)
• Hammer (channel your inner Hammer Bro)
• Mega Mushroom (get larger to dominate)
• Feather (helpful for dodging attacks)
• Kamek (as mentioned above)
• Bullet Bill (propels you through competitors)
• Lightning (zaps your opponents)

Additionally, various game modes and battles will be part of Mario Kart World:

• Time Trials
• VS Race
• Teams
• Free Roam
• Balloon Battle
• Coin Runners

Nintendo describes Battle Mode as “returning and more intense than ever!” Players can pop opponents’ balloons in Balloon Battle or collect the most coins in Coin Runners. If a player’s balloons are burst, they’re out of the game!

With the Free Roam feature, Nintendo assures players there will be plenty to investigate. “Explore sweeping landscapes, veer off the beaten path, discover the ocean, find hidden coins, or activate P Switches to tackle hundreds of missions aimed at enhancing your driving skills outside of races.” Players can even take in-game photos while exploring.

Furthermore, Mario Kart World will feature assistance options, ideal for newcomers or younger players who wish to join in the fun without fully controlling the game.

These support features include Smart Steering, Auto-Accelerate, and Auto-Use Item, along with Tilt Controls, which will work with the Switch 2’s Joy-Con wheel.

New gameplay mechanics include Charge Jump, activated by pressing the drift button while driving straight. This jump allows racers to bypass obstacles, navigate power lines, or evade incoming items. It even enables wall riding should the player jump toward a wall.

Another innovative feature is Rewind, which allows racers to undo mistakes, but importantly, only for themselves—other racers will continue racing ahead as usual.

If you find yourself hungry while racing in Mario Kart World, you can make a “pit stop” for food. Known as Dash Food, these to-go orders provide a speed boost and may unlock outfits from the character selection screen. A wide variety of dishes and outfits will be available at launch.

Our correspondent has had the chance to experience the game, referring to Mario Kart World as “the standout title for Switch 2” and expressing eagerness to play further.

“The reimagining of the series might be a risk, but it’s one that I believe will be rewarding. With diverse routes available and countless hours likely spent exploring its environments, it’s fitting that this game will be a launch title for the Switch 2,” he shared in his preview.