Mario Kart World's Free Roam: An Open-World Adventure with Friends

During today's Mario Kart World Direct, we received exciting new details about the game's innovative Free Roam mode, shedding light on its multiplayer capabilities and the activities players can engage in while exploring Mario Kart World's expansive environment.

Although we had the opportunity to go hands-on with Mario Kart World last week, it wasn't until today that we got a comprehensive look at Free Roam mode. This new feature allows players to freely navigate the game's vast, Forza Horizon-inspired world map. Unlike previous Mario Kart games, which have isolated race tracks accessible only during races, Mario Kart World integrates these tracks into an open world, enabling seamless travel between them in specific game modes and offering ample space for playful exploration.

In Free Roam mode, when you're not competing in races, you can embark on a delightful adventure. The world is dotted with various hidden collectibles, such as coins and ? panels, though their specific purposes remain a mystery for now. Scattered P-Switches can also be found, which, when activated, trigger small challenges like collecting blue coins.

Moreover, Free Roam mode introduces a Photo Mode, allowing players to capture stunning photos of their racers from different poses and angles at any time. Importantly, Free Roam isn't limited to solo play. You can join forces with friends to explore together, snap pictures, tackle challenges, or simply enjoy each other's company. The mode supports up to four players in split-screen on a single system, or up to eight players via local wireless play, with two players per system.

Today's Mario Kart World Direct also unveiled a host of other details, including new characters, courses, and modes. To stay updated on all the announcements, be sure to check out the full coverage right here.