Summary
Mario Kart 8 Deluxewas one of thebest games on the Nintendo Switch, and strong developer support with updates helped it stay among the console’s top sellers. Now,Mario Kart Worldis the new series entry aiming to find the same success, with fresh tracks and even an open-world concept. This feature is a first for the franchise.
Another new element is the increased player count per lobby, which now holds up to 24 racers. This allows Nintendo to bring more characters to the roster, with a few already revealed. If the company follows a style likeSuper Smash Bros.these are the Nintendo icons that deserve a spot inMario Kart Worlddue to their popularity and charm.
AlthoughMario Kartalways includes Luigi as a leading playable character, the racing series never featuredanother figure fromLuigi’s Mansion. Adding Professor E. Gadd toMario Kart Worldwould fix this gap since he is also vital to the brothers, creating the FLUDD fromSunshineand various Poltergust models. His inventions are central to Luigi’s adventures and highlight the franchise’s inventive side.
Professor E. Gadd was once considered for theNintendo DSversion of the racing game but was cut during development. Featuring him inMario Kart Worldon Nintendo Switch 2 would correct that oversight. It would also extend beyond the minor tributes he received in certain arcade installments. His official debut would bring fresh energy and highlight another side of theLuigi’s Mansionstoryline.
Though newer players may not recognize theExcitebikefranchise,it is a true NES and Nintendo 64 classic. It holds a special place in Nintendo history, so adding a rider inspired by that series toMario Kart Worldwould be a perfect tribute. That move would rekindle nostalgia and appeal to fans who grew up with the original tracks.
The series received nods before, such as theExcitebike ArenainMario Kart 8, which drew from the original courses. Even so, a playable Excitebiker would add extra flair to the lineup. Bikes define theExcitebikeidentity and have appeared in other entries, so it makes sense to include a new rider for them inMario Kart World.
Pit is the protagonist of theKid Icarusseries, known for courage and an upbeat outlook. He debuted on the NES but gained new attention withKid Icarus: Uprisingon the Nintendo 3DS, and his spot inSuper Smash Bros.cemented him among fan favorites. That broad arsenal sets him apart from many other Nintendo icons.
InMario Kart World, Pit could bring vehicles inspired by his series, including a kart modeled after his famous wings or the gear he wields. Adding him to the roster would enhance the lineup with a beloved face and open possibilities for themed tracks like Skyworld. That could appeal to longtime fans and newcomers by showcasing classic settings.
Though theStar Foxseries got no new entry on the Nintendo Switch, except for a cameo inStarlink, Fox McCloud remains one of the most charismatic figures in Nintendo. A crossover inMario Kart Worldwould keep that brand alive and relevant for more players. His energetic persona would add variety to the racing cast.
It would also be thrilling to see new karts based on Arwings, the ships used in theStar Foxbattles. If the game introduces aerial racing sections, those vehicles would fit perfectly inMario Kart World. That combination of sci-fi flair and classic gameplay might grab both devoted fans and newcomers. It would also reinforce the roster with a space-faring edge.
Though the series lost some buzz lately and Captain Falcon is often linked toSuper Smash Bros., theF-Zerofranchise was a top-tier Nintendo racer for a long stretch.F-Zero GXeven appears in the GameCube Classics lineup on Nintendo Switch Online, reviving those high-speed space tracks. This legacy underscores how vital Captain Falcon is to Nintendo racing history.
Adding Captain Falcon toMario Kart Worldwould do him justice and strengthen the roster. InMario Kart 8 Deluxe, players can race in Mute City and use the Blue Falcon, both taken fromF-Zero, yet its main hero is still missing from the lineup. Allowing him to appear now would bridge that gap and celebrate his roots.
Diddy Kong is abeloved member of the Donkey Kong family, starring in many solo adventures and teaming with DK since the Super Nintendo days. He also appeared in past Mario Kart rosters, such asDouble Dash!!andWii, quickly becoming a popular racer thanks to his distinct look and charm. His easy going style resonates with a wide audience.
However, in newer entries likeMario Kart 8 Deluxe, Diddy Kong was left out, and fans have called for his return.Mario Kart Worldis the perfect moment to bring him back, along withDonkey Kong Country-themed vehicles, such as barrel carts and wooden rides. That addition could also feature courses inspired by Rare’s classic series.
AlthoughPokemonis developed by Game Freak instead of Nintendo, Pikachu ranks among themost recognized characters in the world. Thanks to the series’ exclusivity on Nintendo platforms, it stands as one of the company’s main mascots. Placing Pikachu inMario Kart Worldwould be a strong addition to the roster, and its cheerful presence aligns well with the game’s spirit.
A course inspired by the varied backdrops in thePokemonworld, like Viridian Forest, could lead to thrilling races. That spot was one of the first places to find Pikachu in the original titles.Lumiose Cityis another prime example of a new track that might appear alongside Pikachu as a guest racer inMario Kart World.
Kirby may look cute, but the ability to swallow and copy enemy powers makes this puffball one of Nintendo’s strongest characters. This range of moves has placed Kirby among the most recognized figures inSuper Smash Bros.especially in Ultimate, where Kirby survived Galeem’s attack. That resilience shows why Kirby has stood out for so long.
Given Kirby’s charm and standing with Nintendo, the character should appear as a racer inMario Kart World. The game’s new power-ups could even include one inspired by Kirby, letting players copy other racers’ abilities. That mechanic would blend well with Kirby’s core trait and add fresh strategy to the races.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyondwill be part of the Nintendo Switch 2 library, letting players explore Samus Aran’s journey through the3D approach of the Prime series. As a central Nintendo figure, she has strong potential to join theMario Kart Worldroster. Her iconic status makes her an ideal pick for a crossover, and many fans anticipate her arrival in other series as well.
Besides Samus Aran herself, developers could design courses with a futuristic feel to integrateMetroidinto the racing experience. Her signature gunship, seen in various entries, could also appear as a special vehicle, like how Link received the Master Cycle. This approach would strengthen the sci-fi aspect of the game and highlight Samus’s adventurous background.
AlthoughMario Kart 8did not feature many guest characters, some icons from other Nintendo franchises appeared, including Link and a track based on Hyrule. This opportunity makes it logical to add Zelda as a new racer toMario Kart World. Her presence would build on the crossover appeal that started with Link’s inclusion and expand the game’s nods toThe Legend of Zeldalore.
Zelda is among the company’s most popular figures, and recent entries inThe Legend of Zeldagive her a more prominent role, even headliningEchoes of Wisdom. Among the many Nintendo characters, she has the highest potential to claim a spot inMario Kart Worldand compete with other princesses like Daisy and Peach. This shift positions her as a key figure who can stand alongside the series’ leading heroes.
