Nintendo Characters That Should Definitely Appear In Mario Kart World

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch, and strong developer support with updates helped it stay among the console’s top sellers. Now, Mario Kart World is 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.

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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 like Super Smash Bros. these are the Nintendo icons that deserve a spot in Mario Kart World due to their popularity and charm.

10

Professor E. Gad (Luigi’s Mansion)

Would Be A Great Pick For Mario Kart World

Systems

Released

October 31, 2019

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence

Although Mario Kart always includes Luigi as a leading playable character, the racing series never featured another figure from Luigi’s Mansion. Adding Professor E. Gadd to Mario Kart World would fix this gap since he is also vital to the brothers, creating the FLUDD from Sunshine and 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 the Nintendo DS version of the racing game but was cut during development. Featuring him in Mario Kart World on 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 the Luigi’s Mansion storyline.

9

Excitebiker (Excitebike)

One Of The Big Retro-Era Nintendo Icons

Systems

Released

November 30, 1984

ESRB

e

Though newer players may not recognize the Excitebike franchise, 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 to Mario Kart World would 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 the Excitebike Arena in Mario Kart 8, which drew from the original courses. Even so, a playable Excitebiker would add extra flair to the lineup. Bikes define the Excitebike identity and have appeared in other entries, so it makes sense to include a new rider for them in Mario Kart World.

8

Pit (Kid Icarus)

A Classic Nintendo Character Who Belongs In Mario Kart World

Systems

Released

March 23, 2012

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes

Pit is the protagonist of the Kid Icarus series, known for courage and an upbeat outlook. He debuted on the NES but gained new attention with Kid Icarus: Uprising on the Nintendo 3DS, and his spot in Super Smash Bros. cemented him among fan favorites. That broad arsenal sets him apart from many other Nintendo icons.

In Mario 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.

7

Fox McCloud (Star Fox)

The Leader Of The Star Fox Team Should Be In Mario Kart World

Rail Shooter

Shoot ’em Up

Systems

Released

April 22, 2016

ESRB

E For Everyone

Though the Star Fox series got no new entry on the Nintendo Switch, except for a cameo in Starlink, Fox McCloud remains one of the most charismatic figures in Nintendo. A crossover in Mario Kart World would keep that brand alive and relevant for more players. His energetic persona would add variety to the racing cast.

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It would also be thrilling to see new karts based on Arwings, the ships used in the Star Fox battles. If the game introduces aerial racing sections, those vehicles would fit perfectly in Mario 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.

6

Captain Falcon (F-Zero)

Part Of One Of Nintendo’s Most Iconic Racing Games

Systems

Released

August 25, 2003

ESRB

Teen // Comic Mischief, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes

Though the series lost some buzz lately and Captain Falcon is often linked to Super Smash Bros., the F-Zero franchise was a top-tier Nintendo racer for a long stretch. F-Zero GX even 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 to Mario Kart World would do him justice and strengthen the roster. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, players can race in Mute City and use the Blue Falcon, both taken from F-Zero, yet its main hero is still missing from the lineup. Allowing him to appear now would bridge that gap and celebrate his roots.

5

Diddy Kong (Donkey Kong)

A Fan Favorite That Should Return To The Mario Kart Franchise

Systems

Released

January 16, 2025

ESRB

E for Everyone – Mild fantasy violence

Diddy Kong is a beloved 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 as Double Dash!! and Wii, 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 like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Diddy Kong was left out, and fans have called for his return. Mario Kart World is the perfect moment to bring him back, along with Donkey Kong Country-themed vehicles, such as barrel carts and wooden rides. That addition could also feature courses inspired by Rare’s classic series.

4

Pikachu (Pokemon)

It May Not Be Fully Nintendo, But It’s One Of The Company’s Biggest Mascots

Systems

Released

September 28, 1998

ESRB

Everyone

Although Pokemon is developed by Game Freak instead of Nintendo, Pikachu ranks among the most 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 in Mario Kart World would 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 the Pokemon world, like Viridian Forest, could lead to thrilling races. That spot was one of the first places to find Pikachu in the original titles. Lumiose City is another prime example of a new track that might appear alongside Pikachu as a guest racer in Mario Kart World.

3

Kirby (Kirby)

A Leading Name From Super Smash Bros. Could Also Join Mario Kart

Systems

Released

March 25, 2022

ESRB

E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence

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 in Super Smash Bros. especially in Ultimate, where Kirby survived Galeem’s attack. That resilience shows why Kirby has stood out for so long.

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Given Kirby’s charm and standing with Nintendo, the character should appear as a racer in Mario 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.

2

Samus Aran (Metroid)

One Of Nintendo’s Strongest Contenders For Mario Kart World

Systems

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will be part of the Nintendo Switch 2 library, letting players explore Samus Aran’s journey through the 3D approach of the Prime series. As a central Nintendo figure, she has strong potential to join the Mario Kart World roster. 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 integrate Metroid into 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.

1

Princess Zelda (The Legend Of Zelda)

Link And Hyrule Already Showed Up In Mario Kart 8

Systems

Released

May 12, 2023

ESRB

Rated E for Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes

Although Mario Kart 8 did 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 to Mario Kart World. Her presence would build on the crossover appeal that started with Link’s inclusion and expand the game’s nods to The Legend of Zelda lore.

Zelda is among the company’s most popular figures, and recent entries in The Legend of Zelda give her a more prominent role, even headlining Echoes of Wisdom. Among the many Nintendo characters, she has the highest potential to claim a spot in Mario Kart World and compete with other princesses like Daisy and Peach. This shift positions her as a key figure who can stand alongside the series’ leading heroes.

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