Mario Kart World: A Fresh Adventure Awaits
Enthusiasts of the Mario Kart franchise have something to look forward to with the impending release of Mario Kart World. This upcoming installment marks a significant milestone as the first mainline game in over ten years, following the acclaimed Mario Kart 8. Set to debut alongside the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, the game promises a slew of innovative features such as dynamic weather effects, new gameplay modes, and the thrilling freedom of driving off track.
Exploring the Roster of Mario Kart World
Meet the Characters of MK World
Mario Kart World’s character lineup draws inspiration from more than 30 years of Mario Kart history. This expanded roster includes beloved faces from the original Mario series as well as characters from spin-offs and other iconic franchises like Zelda and Animal Crossing. Notably, Mario Kart 8 set a precedent of allowing players to import their custom Miis as playable characters, a feature fans hope will return.
Confirmed Characters in Mario Kart World
Character Roster Overview
View the Trailer
The initial character roster has already been revealed, but it’s worth noting that this list is likely not comprehensive. Nintendo is expected to unveil more characters leading up to the release. Here’s a rundown of the confirmed characters so far:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Peach
- Bowser
- Daisy
- Rosalina
- Pauline
- Yoshi
- Toad
- Toadette
- Wario
- Waluigi
- Donkey Kong
- Baby Mario
- Baby Luigi
- Baby Peach
- Baby Daisy
- Baby Rosalina
- Bowser Jr.
- Lakitu
- Birdo
- Goomba
- Koopa
- Shy Guy
- Boo
- King Boo
- Peepa
- Spike
- Nabbit
- Pokey
- Biddybud
- Hammer Bro
- Chargin’ Chuck
- Sidestepper
- Monty Mole
- Stingby
- Cataquack
- Moo Moo
- Penguin
- Dolphin
The early character lineup is quite impressive, featuring a mix of fan-favorites in both their classic and baby forms. Notably, Pauline will be making her Mario Kart console debut after her major role in Super Mario Odyssey and her previous appearance in the mobile game, Mario Kart Tour. Additionally, the return of Birdo celebrates her previous involvement in Mario Kart 8’s Booster Pass.
Another fascinating aspect is the inclusion of various villains within the roster. While Bowser and the Koopa race make a comeback, Nintendo is revitalizing lesser-known characters like Stingby and Sidestepper, traditionally perceived as enemies within the franchise, marking their first ever playable status.
Many characters in Mario Kart World are carried over from Mario Kart Tour. Alongside Pauline, characters such as Monty Mole, Chargin’ Chuck, and Nabbit were introduced in the mobile game. Other surprises include playable elements like Penguins and Moo Moos, which typically serve as track obstacles during gameplay.
As the promotional campaign progresses, more characters are expected to be announced. With the launch date of June 5 on the horizon, fans don’t have to wait long for a complete glimpse at the roster of Mario Kart World.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube