Backward Frenzy? Mario Kart World Ad Teases Groundbreaking “Reverse Mode” for Switch 2 Launch!
Get ready to put it in reverse, Mario Kart fans! The highly anticipated Switch 2 launch title, Mario Kart World, might be introducing a brand-new way to race: a dedicated Reverse Mode. This tantalizing glimpse comes from a Japan-only advertisement for the game, suggesting a significant twist on the classic karting formula.
While previous entries in the beloved series have featured “Mirror Mode” – an unlockable that flips tracks horizontally for a fresh challenge – this new footage points to something entirely different. Eagle-eyed viewers, with thanks to NintendoSoup for spotting the detail, noticed characters racing around the iconic Mario Bros. Circuit in the opposite direction when compared to footage from Nintendo’s own Treehouse Live stream.
[Mario Kart World – Nintendo Direct | Nintendo Switch 2 Watch on YouTube]
The exact implementation of this potential Reverse Mode in Mario Kart World remains under wraps. Will it be an unlockable option after completing 150cc, similar to Mirror Mode? Or perhaps a unique race type available from the get-go? The user interface in the advert appears to show a Grand Prix race rather than the game’s “Knockout Tour,” hinting it could be a standard racing variant.
This development makes perfect sense given Mario Kart World’s shift to an open-world design. With players able to freely drive in any direction during Free Roam, it’s logical that Nintendo would leverage this for its structured Grand Prix races, offering a new layer of replayability and challenge on familiar tracks.
The wait is almost over, as Mario Kart World is set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th – that’s just next week! This exciting potential feature comes after Nintendo shared an interview with the game’s developers last week. They confirmed that Mario Kart World was initially in development for the original Switch, but its ambitious open-world design was deemed a better fit for the increased power and 60fps capabilities of the new console.
Interestingly, reports suggest that Switch 2 consoles are already making their way to players, though they will require a day-one update to become fully functional.
With Mario Kart World poised to be a cornerstone launch title for the Switch 2, the addition of a true Reverse Mode could be a game-changer, offering veterans and newcomers alike a thrillingly disorienting new way to experience the Mushroom Kingdom’s race tracks. Stay tuned for more details as the launch approaches!
