Nintendo is rewriting the rules of Mario Kart with its upcoming release, Mario Kart World, a launch title for the highly anticipated Switch 2. Breaking a long-standing tradition, the game will feature playable characters that defy logic—like a Goomba, a cow, and even a stack of cactus balls. This bold move signals a shift in Nintendo’s design philosophy, prioritizing fun over realism in ways fans have never seen before.
For decades, Mario Kart adhered to a simple guideline: characters needed hands and feet to drive. This rule kept the roster limited to anthropomorphic figures like Mario, Luigi, and Bowser. But Mario Kart World is tossing that logic aside, introducing over 50 racers, including some truly unconventional picks. How does a footless Goomba operate a kart? What about Conkdor, an ostrich-like creature with no hands? Even Pokey, a sentient cactus tower, joins the fray. And then there’s the cow—already a fan favorite despite its lack of opposable thumbs.
Kosuke Yabuki, the game’s producer, acknowledged the change in a recent interview with WIRED. He admitted his old mindset required characters to have hands and feet to drive, but now, the team is embracing the absurd. “I probably wouldn’t be able to even explain how they drive exactly,” Yabuki said. “But so long as we’re surprising and delighting people, that’s the important part.” This shift reflects Nintendo’s willingness to experiment, even with a franchise as beloved as Mario Kart.
The game isn’t just expanding its roster—it’s also upping the chaos factor. Mario Kart World supports races with up to 24 players, doubling the capacity of Mario Kart 8. Yabuki explained that the larger player count makes the game’s interconnected world feel more dynamic. However, to prevent total anarchy, the team adjusted mechanics like attack frequency and crash physics. The goal is to keep races competitive without overwhelming players.
As a flagship title for the Switch 2, Mario Kart World is poised to showcase the console’s capabilities. Beyond the massive roster and expanded multiplayer, the game introduces larger tracks, deeper customization, and even costume variations for characters. While the cow has stolen the spotlight, Yabuki assures fans that classic characters like Mario and Peach remain central to the experience.
The inclusion of unconventional racers proves Nintendo isn’t afraid to take risks. By abandoning the “hands and feet” rule, the developers have unlocked new creative possibilities, ensuring Mario Kart World feels fresh and unpredictable. Whether you’re racing as a spiky cactus or a bewildered bovine, one thing is certain: this game is set to deliver the most chaotic, fun-filled Mario Kart experience yet. With its bold innovations and next-gen polish, Mario Kart World might just be the reason to upgrade to the Switch 2.
