- Image from Mario Kart World courtesy of Nintendo

Mario Kart World: Battle Mode Is Back!

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By Khris Brayton | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 5:08 PM ET

Mario Kart World is due to come out as a launch day game for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and also as a bundle with the new console. This will be the first new, non-mobile entry in the franchise since 2014, so fans are understandably excited. The hype has been growing since the first trailer was revealed during the April 2 Nintendo Direct, and on April 17, the game got an entire Direct presentation focused on itself. The presentation gave fans even more new things to look forward to, but perhaps the most exciting reveal was the return of fan-favorite battle mode.

Mario Kart World Returns Series Classic Battle Mode

Image from Mario Kart World courtesy of Nintendo

During the full 16-minute presentation for Mario Kart World that Nintendo delivered Thursday, fans were treated to details on a multitude of new features. Six new items, eight course maps, and a deep dive into the open-world inspired “Free Roam” mode were three of the major features in the show. Minor new changes include new driver costumes to wear and the ability to rewind. The other major highlight may be the one that brings the most excitement to long-standing fans of the iconic franchise: the return of battle mode.

According to Nintendo’s official description, “Battle Mode is back and more hectic than ever! Secure the gold by collecting the most coins in Coin Runners or bursting your rivals’ balloons with items in Balloon Battle. If you pop all of your rival’s balloons, they are out!” The presentation did not give a ton of detail about the mode, but based on the description, it feels a lot like the iconic battles fans were used to. It does appear, however, that “Big Donut” will be making a course return, and that the two minigames will also be featured in the open-world free roam maps.

It is unclear whether these are the only two battle modes that will be available on the new Mario Kart World. There have been other modes in the past, but Nintendo has made no indication that there will be this time. It is theoretically possible that new mini games could be made available at a later date, potentially as an expansion for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, but this is only a theory based on the added content from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that Mario Kart World is introducing some exciting new features alongside returning some old classics. At its core, it remains a Mario Kart game and will bring some family fun chaos to households across the world. The game will launch on the same day as Switch 2, June 5, and can be purchased separately or as a bundle with the system. Fans have been waiting a long time for a new Mario Kart entry, and it appears the wait will be well worth it.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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