The upcomingMario Kart Worldwill introduce many new ways to play. Now officially announced asa launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2,Mario Kart Worldis expected to arrive this summer. With an interconnected world andone of the biggestMario Kartrosters ever, it’s a hotly anticipated release, and the perfect fit for the Switch 2’s first ever game. In addition to all the usual suspects,Mario Kart Worldwill introduce at least one new game mode- Knockout Tour - along with changes to several of the core game modes you know and love.
But two of its game modes,the classic Grand Prix and the new Knockout Tour, sound pretty similar on their faces. However, there’s one core difference that makes Knockout Tour totally different, more of a fight for survival than a test of skill and speed. Here’s what we know about the new Knockout Tour mode, and why that makes it different from the classic Grand Prix.
How Grand Prix Works In MK World
Classic Mario Kart Mode
Grand Prix is what most people think of when they hearMario Kart: each Grand Prix is a series of four traditional kart races. You’ll go head-to-head with up to 24 different racers in four back-to-back heats, collectively called a cup.
You’ll pick up power-ups and hurl them at one another to get ahead. At the end of each race, you’ll receive points based on your performance - the higher you placed, the more points you’ll get. After the final race, your points across all four races will be tallied, andyou’ll be ranked alongside all the other racers in this point-based systemto determine the winner. The cups included inMario Kart Worldare the same as always:
Nintendo has also hinted thatyou can unlock Rainbow Roadby completing all six Grand Prix.
The main change to Grand Prix mode inMario Kart World, though, isthe newly addedability to drive between tracks. After each race, you’ll have to travel along a shorter, more linear section of track that’ll eventually lead into the next one. Stage hazards also appear to have more of a presence, with cars firing Bullet BIlls at you and Hammer Bros doing what they do best as you race down the track. Other than that, though, it works much the same as Grand Prix always has.
How Knockout Tour Works In Mario Kart World
A New Mario Kart Mode
Knockout Tour is a new game mode making its debut inMario Kart World. It has a similar structure to Grand Prix, consisting of a series of sequential races -although Knockout Tour runs (called rallies) are longer, consisting of six courses each. There are more Knockout Tour rallies than there are cups, too, with eight options available via theMario Kart Worldmenu. Rallies typically stretch from one end of the map to the other, and also appear to require driving between courses.
The way you win in Knockout Tour is entirely different from Grand Prix. Knockout Tour courses are lined with checkpoints, each of them bearing a specific number.If you aren’t at or above the specified position when you pass through the checkpoint, you’ll be eliminated, and your Knockout Tour run will come to an early ending. Checkpoints will require better and better results as the rally progresses, with the finish line likely only allowing the player in first through.
Mario Kart Worldwill also feature a couple of other classic game modes, like Time Trial, Balloon battle, and Coin Runners. But Grand Prix and Knockout Tour appear to be the main draw here, offering new twists on classicMario Kartraces. With their accessible concepts and chaotic gameplay, modes like these could makeMario Kart Worldthe series' most expansive entry yet.
