The global gaming scene is at a fever pitch as Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches today, June 5, alongside the long-anticipated Mario Kart World—a historic installment billed as the biggest Mario Kart game ever created.
From Johannesburg to Tokyo, queues have formed, anticipation is high, and the internet is ablaze with celebration and social commentary. Crowds from coast to coast are eagerly unboxing what many consider the most ambitious Nintendo project in years.
“The wait is almost over. Crowds are awaiting launch from coast to coast. Who’s ready for the launch of #NintendoSwitch2?”
— @NintendoAmerica
Mario Kart reimagined: What’s new?
In a first for the franchise, Mario Kart World introduces an interconnected, open-world map where players can drive seamlessly across urban cities, deserts, mountains—and even beneath the sea.
Key Features:
- 🌍 Interconnected World: The game’s world functions as one vast racetrack.
- 🏁 New Modes: Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, Battle Mode, and Free Roam.
- 🏎️ 24-player races: The most in Mario Kart history.
- 🌦️ Dynamic Environments: Real-time weather and day/night transitions.
- 🧭 New Techniques: Charge Jump and Rewind for stylish and strategic plays.
The game also introduces Dash Food—a quirky pit-stop mechanic where players grab speed boosts and unlock outfits at Yoshi’s drive-thru .
For South African gamers, the launch highlights how far mobile and console gaming have evolved. (ALSO READ: How Mediatek’s Helio G Series is shaping smartphone gaming in SA.
“The world is your racetrack,” Nintendo declares, and the sentiment has clearly struck a chord with fans of all ages.
Viral buzz: YouTuber Hikakin breaks the internet
Popular Japanese content creator and beatboxer Hikakin, known off-screen as Hikaru Kaihatsu, caused a social media storm with this viral post showing him holding the new Switch 2 console.
“So palpable is the excitement,” one observer wrote as the clip racked up millions of views within an hour, underscoring the console’s mass appeal across demographics.
Not just for kids anymore
The Switch 2 launch has sparked a wave of hilarious—and thought-provoking—commentary on who exactly is lining up for the latest console.
“I don’t see any kids or teenagers…” noted one X user.
“Wasn’t mocking, I used to be that teenager. Now it’s 40 year-old men paying £500 for handhelds and £80 a game. They stole the kids’ toys and called it nostalgia. Something’s off and it isn’t me for noticing.”
A sharp-witted response soon followed:
“Imagine thinking kids will just go out at midnight with $500 in their pocket.”
Gaming has grown up—and so have its players.
More than just racing
Players can now do more than race:
- Free Roam: Explore stunning landscapes, complete missions, take snapshots, and discover secrets.
- GameChat & CameraPlay: Real-time voice chat and facial detection for social play.
- Battle Mode & Time Trials: Classic chaos and competitive clock-racing, enhanced with modern features.
- Character Variety: Drive as Mario, Peach, Goomba, Spike—or even a Cow.
- New Items: The Ice Flower, Mega Mushroom, and Kamek’s magic add layers of unpredictability.
🔗 Watch the full Mario Kart World Direct here
Ready to race? (Switch 2 on sale now – but stock is vanishing fast)
Mario Kart World isn’t just a game—it’s a high-octane playground, a generational bridge, and Nintendo’ boldest leap yet.
With demand surging and stock expected to remain limited for the foreseeable future, fans are urged to act fast. (At the time of publishing, pre-orders were live via Incredible Connection and Takealot-but sold-out at Nintendo SA just hours after launch).
For real-time updates and gameplay tips, and more, checkout:
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