The release of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 brought with it a massive roster of playable characters, sparking excitement among fans. However, some players quickly noticed a significant shift compared to the previous entry, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: the absence of characters from other Nintendo franchises.
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, fan-favorite guests like Link (The Legend of Zelda), Isabelle and Villager (Animal Crossing), and the Inklings (Splatoon) joined the race. This created a sense of a “Nintendo crossover” racer. Mario Kart World, by contrast, sticks strictly within the confines of the Super Mario universe, albeit a very expanded one.
Why did Nintendo make this design choice? Kosuke Yabuki, the producer of Mario Kart World, addressed this question in an interview with Ouest-France, explaining the team’s perspective.
The Official Explanation: Producer’s Take
According to Yabuki, the decision to exclude characters from outside the Mario series was deliberate. He stated that from the developers’ viewpoint, adding characters from different game universes would have felt “incongruous” within the established world of Mario Kart World.
Furthermore, Yabuki didn’t believe such inclusions were “necessary,” given the vast possibilities already available within the Mario universe itself. He emphasized the sheer number of characters and different costumes available, suggesting this depth ensures “there’s sure to be something for everyone.”
Exploring the Mario Universe: Cows, Goombas, and More
While Mario Kart World opted out of bringing in heroes from Hyrule or Inkopolis, Nintendo wasn’t shy about exploring lesser-known corners and inhabitants of the Mario world. Producer Kosuke Yabuki highlighted that they actively sought to elevate unexpected characters who were previously background elements or obstacles.
A prime example is the surprising but incredibly popular inclusion of the Cow from Moo Moo Meadows as a playable racer. Yabuki mentioned that this idea originated from a simple designer sketch and opened the team’s eyes to the possibility of characters without traditional hands or feet, like Goombas or Pokeys, also potentially driving karts. This focus demonstrates Nintendo’s intent to delight long-time fans by taking familiar elements from the Mario universe and giving them new, prominent roles, reinforcing their commitment to the franchise’s identity rather than external crossovers.
Player Feedback and Roster Debate
Despite the official stance and the unique additions like Cow, the exclusion of crossover characters remains a point of discussion among the fanbase. Many players enjoyed the variety and novelty that characters like Link or the Inklings brought to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Some players feel that the large number of character variations and costumes, while adding quantity, can make the roster feel cluttered compared to dedicated unique characters. There’s also a desire for core Mario characters who are still missing or the inclusion of less generic characters from the Mario universe, such as Professor E. Gadd. The game’s character unlock system, tied partly to unpredictable methods like Kamek transformations or finding “Dash Food,” has also been cited as frustrating by reviewers and players, adding to the discussion around roster accessibility and composition.
Ultimately, while Nintendo believes the extensive roster rooted firmly in the Mario universe provides ample choice and maintains thematic consistency, the debate reflects differing player expectations following the crossover success of the previous installment.
