Ready to race beyond anything you’ve seen before? In Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2, multiplayer isn’t just about crossing the finish line-it’s about diving into 24-player online races, rallying your crew for split-screen couch rivalries, and even seeing your friends’ faces on the track with the all-new CameraPlay and GameChat features. Whether you’re teaming up on one console or tearing up roads across the globe, Mario Kart World transforms every match into a dynamic social showdown.
Is there multiplayer Free Roam in Mario Kart World?
Mario Kart World features a multiplayer Free Roam mode, but with important limitations compared to single-player. Players can explore courses together online by creating or joining a room and entering a shared Free Roam map, which acts as a lobby before starting a regular race. In this mode, you and your friends can drive around, collect coins, and find certain collectibles, but some activities-like completing P-Switch challenges and using specific features such as Photo mode-are not accessible while in multiplayer Free Roam. Local split-screen Free Roam exists but is less flexible: it requires setting up an online or wireless session with two players, and both must stay within a certain distance of each other, as the game prevents free wandering if players stray too far apart. Thus, while Mario Kart World offers ways to experience Free Roam with others, these experiences are more limited than solo Free Roam, focusing on social interaction rather than the full breadth of exploration and challenges.
Kind of? Once you lobby up with your friends online, you’ll be placed in a simplified Free Roam lobby, effectively. In this Free Roam lobby, you can still find golden tiles and Peach coins, but you cannot complete P-Switch challenges. So it is kind of multiplayer Free Roam with some restrictions, but it’s not an actual choice on the menu.
There is also no actual local multiplayer Free Roam, but if you make an online lobby, you can activate the pseudo-Free Roam mode mentioned above with a second local player.
The only reason why I’m using the phrase “pseudo” is because if you are playing with a second local player, you can’t actually freely roam too much. Once you and your local friend get too far away from each other, the game will relocate you back together, so you have to stay somewhat close to your second player. You can still play together, but there’s definitely a proximity limit.
You also cannot take screenshots when you have a local second player in the online Free Roam lobby with you.
How local multiplayer works in Mario Kart World
Local multiplayer in Mario Kart World allows up to four players to race or battle together on a single Nintendo Switch 2 system using split-screen mode. To get started, select the Multiplayer option, then choose 2, 3, or 4 players-each participant will need a compatible controller, and both Joy-Con 2 and original Joy-Con controllers are supported. Players can enjoy all main game modes, like Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, VS Race, and Battle, with the game automatically filling out the roster with CPU drivers for a total of 24 racers. Certain modes, such as VS Race, offer customization options like team assignments and computer difficulty settings, ensuring a tailored local play experience.
Using local split screen, you can play any of the single-player game modes with your friends, except Free Roam. This means you can take part in any Grand Prix cup, play Knockout Tour mode, race in regular VS Races, and knock heads in Battles.
All of these modes have the same functionality as the single-player versions, so there’s nothing too special or fancy here. This is just the run-of-the-mill co-op that you probably did with your friends and siblings, after fighting about who gets to use the good controller.
How online multiplayer works in Mario Kart World
Online multiplayer in Mario Kart World allows up to 24 players from around the world to connect and race or battle together on Nintendo Switch 2. Players use the Online Play menu to join friends by creating or entering a unique Room ID, gathering in a virtual Free Roam lobby before starting matches like Race, Knockout Tour, or Battle. While waiting for a race, participants can drive together in Free Roam, chat using the built-in GameChat voice communication, and even show their face in-game with CameraPlay when using a compatible camera. All online features require a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and matchmaking ensures players compete with others of similar skill levels.
First and foremost, you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use these features.
You can also play online with one local buddy, if you want. (The screen will just split in half, as it would if you did two-player local multiplayer.)
From there, you can opt to do the usual modes, just against random players online: regular races, a Knockout Tour, or Battles. Once you select the respective game mode, it’ll thrust you into a pseudo-Free Roam lobby while folks load in. Each of these modes also gives you a player score, which will go up as you win and down as you lose. As you race, you’ll be matched with people of similar score to you to try to keep things balanced.
You can also opt to play with friends from your Nintendo Switch friends list as well by selecting that option from the menu. One friend will need to make a lobby that others can then join.
The friend should appear on the page at the top, allowing you to join them by just selecting their tag, but if that doesn’t show up, you can join via the Room ID. You can get your room ID by pressing the Plus button and selecting “View Room Info,” which will put a code on your screen that your buds can input to join.
From here, you’ll again be placed into a pseudo-Free Roam with your buddies in the lobby.
Did you just get a Nintendo Switch 2? Are you trying to unlock every character and outfit in Mario Kart World? Or maybe you’re trying out The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for the first time and you need a walkthrough for those pesky stoplights in the Forsaken Fortress? Either way, we have your back when it comes to helping you sort stuff out.
How does Mario Kart World’s multiplayer adapt to the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware
Mario Kart World’s multiplayer leverages the enhanced capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2 to deliver larger, more dynamic multiplayer experiences, including support for up to 24 players online, seamless interconnected environments, and advanced social features like GameChat and CameraPlay.
Key adaptations to Switch 2 hardware:
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Expanded online multiplayer: Up to 24 players can race together online, doubling the previous maximum due to the Switch 2’s significantly more powerful CPU and network capabilities.
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Interconnected world and Free Roam mode: The improved processing allows for a massive, seamless map where players can move between classic and new courses without loading screens. Multiplayer races and exploration are now possible across these interconnected areas, enhancing both competition and co-op experiences.
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Advanced local multiplayer: On one system, up to four players can race together in split-screen, utilizing the new Joy-Con 2, Joy-Con 2 Wheels, and Pro Controllers. Multiple Switch 2 units can also be linked for local wireless play, benefiting from improved wireless hardware for smoother connections.
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High-definition graphics and new gameplay mechanics: Thanks to Switch 2’s support for up to 4K resolution and smoother frame rates, larger player counts and complex environments maintain high visual fidelity. New mechanics-such as rail grinding, wall skimming, and water skipping-rely on enhanced system responsiveness.
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Enhanced social and communication features: Built-in GameChat uses the Switch 2’s integrated microphone, and CameraPlay (using an optional USB-C camera) lets players appear alongside their karts, whether online or in local matches.
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Improved accessibility and controller support: The new controller layouts and assistive features make it easier for anyone to join multiplayer matches quickly, with clear prompts for controller pairing and input methods designed for the Switch 2’s updated hardware.
In summary, Mario Kart World fully exploits the Switch 2’s graphics, processing, and networking improvements to unlock larger lobbies, seamless multiplayer worlds, and social engagement features that were not possible on earlier hardware generations.
How do the new Nintendo Switch 2 controllers improve multiplayer experience in Mario Kart World
The new Nintendo Switch 2 controllers-especially the upgraded Joy-Con 2 and enhanced Pro Controller-significantly improve the multiplayer experience in Mario Kart World through several core innovations:
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Seamless multiplayer setup: The Switch 2 comes with two Joy-Con 2 controllers, allowing instant two-player action right out of the box for split-screen or shared wireless matches. The controllers remain simple to pair and versatile for various multiplayer arrangements, letting up to four players race locally on a single console.
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Enhanced comfort and precision: The Joy-Con 2 features improved ergonomics, more responsive buttons, and enhanced motion sensing-ideal for accurate steering, drifting, and using the new rail grinding and wall-skimming mechanics. This reduces input lag and physical fatigue during longer multiplayer sessions.
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Accessory support: New steering wheel accessories designed for Joy-Con 2 offer a realistic and immersive driving experience. These accessories are not just novelties; community feedback suggests they provide solid performance, particularly for newer players or family multiplayer sessions.
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Wider compatibility and flexibility: Both Switch 1 and Switch 2 controllers can be used interchangeably, letting each player use their preferred input style. This is especially helpful for larger multiplayer groups and for those who already own accessories from previous consoles.
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Integrated social and communication features: The controllers support new Switch 2 features like GameChat-activated via a dedicated C-button or mic-enabling real-time voice chat during online or local matches, and supporting player video feeds with CameraPlay if an external camera is connected.
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Improved controller technology: Faster wireless connections and higher polling rates result in lower latency and more synchronized gameplay across multiple consoles in local wireless play, reducing disconnects or lag in larger group races.
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Assistive and accessibility options: The updated controllers include new layouts and input prompts, making it easier for a wider audience, including younger or less experienced players, to join and enjoy multiplayer matches.
In summary, the Switch 2 controllers bring multiplayer in Mario Kart World closer to a competitive and social ideal, making local and online play more accessible, responsive, and immersive than ever before.
