Mirror Mode, a staple in Mario Kart since Double Dash, is back in Mario Kart World.

Unlike previous iterations, this takes a little bit of work to unlock. We've managed to get Mirror Mode after hours of racing and exploring, and in this guide, we'll be telling you how to unlock this mode for yourself.

How to Unlock Mirror Mode in Mario Kart World

Mirror Mode is very nicely hidden in Mario Kart World — in fact, multiple rumours have been doing the rounds since the game's release, but we've figured out the 100% correct method to unlocking Mirror Mode.

You'll need to have unlocked the Special Cup, which should come naturally as you race through all the Grand Prixs.

To unlock Mirror Mode in Mario Kart World, you need to do all of the following:

After checking off the entire list, replay the Special Cup (doesn't matter where you place) and after the credits (you don't need to watch them), you'll get a new post-credits cutscene confirming you unlocked Mirror Mode.

Then, when you head into any Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, and Vs. Mode, Mirror Mode is included in the options.

How to play Mirror Mode in Free Roam

Mirror Mode isn't just available in the standard racing modes — you can also flip the world in Free Roam.

Once you have unlocked Mirror Mode in other modes as described above, head to Peach Stadium (you can fast travel on the map) in Free Roam.Then, from the start line, drive forward as you would normally, heading up the curvy roads. You'll see Peach's 'castle' to your right.

Keep driving until you're past the Warp Pipe obstacles, and once you reach the next corner, you can drive off the course to your right to land on the roof of the castle.

Drive around to the front where Peach's Stained Glass Window is, drive through it, and you'll be thrown back out into the world with everything entirely flipped!

What is Mirror Mode?

Mirror Mode is pretty self-explanatory — it's the hardest 'difficulty' in the game, and it changes every course as you know it by flipping it entirely, as if you're looking at the course in a mirror.

It's surprisingly challenging because you're probably so used to the courses' normal layouts, but here, everything is the opposite.

Don't worry, though, the controls aren't flipped. Just the maps.

If you're after more Mario Kart World guides, see how to unlock costumes, Rainbow Road, and what the best kart is.