Mario Kart World surprises players with a concealed LAN Play mode that can be activated right from the initial gameplay session. While this feature remains largely underutilized outside of competitive tournaments, it offers a unique way to enjoy multiplayer races with friends.

LAN Play allows Mario Kart World to be played over a local area network, connecting multiple Nintendo Switch consoles through a single router. This setup provides a more stable connection compared to traditional ad-hoc Wi-Fi, making it ideal for organized gaming events.

Activating this hidden feature is surprisingly simple. Players need to navigate to the Wireless Play option in the main menu (without selecting it), then press the left analog stick while holding both the L and R shoulder buttons. This secret combination instantly switches the mode to LAN Play.

The LAN mode supports up to 24 Switch consoles in a single session, significantly more than the standard Wireless Play's limit of eight consoles. However, there's a trade-off - each console can only accommodate two players instead of the usual four.

Nintendo likely hid this feature to maintain menu simplicity for casual players, as LAN Play primarily benefits tournament organizers needing to connect numerous consoles. The mode also enables local Free Roam gameplay with more flexible controller configurations than Wireless Play allows.

To summarize the activation process:

1. Open the main menu
2. Highlight 'Wireless Play' (don't select it)
3. Hold L + R and press the left analog stick

This hidden functionality continues Nintendo's tradition of including secret features in their Mario Kart series, offering dedicated fans new ways to experience the beloved racing franchise.