It turns out that , a new villain (a fusion of a Shy Guy and a mad scientist), has invented the "World Merge Engine." He's sick of losing at Mario Kart. Instead of winning races, he decides to steal the very concept of racing from every universe.

Unlike previous entries, features an open-world map where courses are physically connected by kilometers of drivable paths. You don't just pick a track; you drive from the bustling streets of Crown City to the snowy peaks of Whistle Stop Summit .

: Beyond the classic Grand Prix, the "Knockout Tour" features an endless race where the last-place racer is periodically eliminated.