Mario Kart World's Free Roam: Open-World Road Trip with Friends

During today's Mario Kart World Direct, we were treated to an in-depth look at the game's exciting new Free Roam mode. This mode promises to be highly engaging, both in single-player and multiplayer settings, as you explore the expansive world of Mario Kart.

Although we had a hands-on experience with Mario Kart World last week, it wasn't until today that we got a comprehensive overview of Free Roam mode. This innovative feature allows players to freely navigate the game's vast, Forza Horizon-inspired open world. Unlike previous Mario Kart titles, where race tracks were isolated and accessible only during races, Mario Kart World integrates them into a seamless open-world environment. This means you can drive from one track to another in specific game modes and enjoy the freedom to explore the areas in between.

In Free Roam mode, when you're not competing in races, you can embark on mini-adventures. The world is filled with hidden collectibles such as coins and ? panels, though their purpose remains a mystery for now. You'll also encounter P-Switches, which, when activated, trigger small challenges like collecting blue coins.

One of the highlights of Free Roam mode is the Photo Mode, which you can activate at any time to capture stunning images of your racers in various poses and angles. Free Roam isn't just for solo players; it's designed for social interaction as well. You can explore the world with friends, take photos together, tackle challenges, or simply enjoy each other's company. The mode supports up to four players on the same system via split-screen, and up to eight players through local wireless play, with two players per system.

Today's Mario Kart World Direct also showcased a variety of new characters, courses, and modes. To stay updated on all the latest announcements, be sure to check out the full coverage here.