Nintendo is shifting gears to regain the spotlight with its highly anticipated game, Mario Kart World. In a recent direct presentation, the publisher revealed 15 minutes of gameplay, highlighting the game's new courses, items, and open world features. This move comes as the initial excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 has cooled due to concerns over the console's price and availability.

The new Mario Kart World gameplay showcases 15 new courses, including Mario Bros Circuit, Crown City, Salty Salty Speedway, and returning classics like Peach Beach and Wario Shipyard. Additionally, Nintendo hinted at a "certain colorful course" that will be unlocked after completing all Grand Prix cups, which is likely to be the iconic Rainbow Road.

In terms of new items and features, Mario Kart World introduces a feather item that allows players to jump and avoid attacks. A rewind feature also enables players to turn back time and retry missed tricks or discover secret areas. The game's free roam mode offers a wealth of hidden secrets, including P-switches and panels that unlock overworld missions to complete.

Nintendo's efforts to make Mario Kart World a standout title for the Switch 2 are clear. However, the game's success may be hindered by the console's high price point of $450, which could increase further in the United States due to the Trump administration's tariff policy. Furthermore, the game itself will retail at $80, making it one of the more expensive titles in the Mario Kart series.

The availability of the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World is also a concern, particularly in the United States and Canada. Due to the tariffs, pre-orders for the console are currently unavailable in these countries, although Nintendo has confirmed that the console will still launch on June 5th. The delay in pre-orders has left many fans frustrated and uncertain about the console's future.

Despite these challenges, Mario Kart World's new features and gameplay are generating significant buzz in the gaming community. The game's open world design and emphasis on exploration could be a game-changer for the Mario Kart series, and its success may be crucial in determining the Switch 2's overall performance in the market.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Nintendo's ability to adapt and innovate will be key to its success. With Mario Kart World, the company is taking a bold step forward, but only time will tell if it's enough to overcome the hurdles facing the Switch 2.