Mario Kart World Credits: Shigeru Miyamoto Not Listed in Latest Nintendo Switch Release

Mario Kart World Credits Omit Shigeru Miyamoto: A Notable Shift for Nintendo’s Iconic Franchise Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated new entry in Nintendo’s legendary racing series, has just crossed the finish line on Nintendo Switch.

Developed and published by Nintendo, the Mario Kart series remains one of the company's flagship brands, with its combined sales exceeding 189 million copies worldwide since the debut of Super Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992. While each new Mario Kart release is often greeted with excitement from longtime fans, eagle-eyed players noticed a surprising omission in Mario Kart World: Shigeru Miyamoto, one of the most influential video game designers of all time, is not credited anywhere in the game's closing credits—not even with a customary "special thanks." Shigeru Miyamoto is the creative mind behind some of gaming’s most enduring franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Pikmin, and Star Fox.

His direct involvement in the Mario Kart series began with its inception, helping to shape a franchise that has become a cultural phenomenon and a commercial powerhouse for Nintendo.

Titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, currently the best-selling Nintendo Switch game, are a testament to the team's ongoing innovation and appeal. For Mario Kart World, however, Miyamoto's name is entirely absent from the credits.

This follows a similar pattern seen in Mario Kart Tour, the franchise’s mobile adaptation, where he was also not acknowledged.

Yet while mobile spinoffs may have a different development structure, Mario Kart World marks the first time a mainline Mario Kart title launches without any credited input from Miyamoto. A Nintendo spokesperson, communicating on behalf of the company's leadership, explained that as Miyamoto has advanced into a more global, advisory position within Nintendo, he no longer directly influences individual projects as he did in past decades.

Over recent years, Miyamoto has assumed broader responsibilities, mentoring the next wave of Nintendo talent and influencing company direction at a higher strategic level.

This change in role was also reflected in the credits for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, released last year, where his name did not appear. Although Miyamoto's absence from the credited roster may appear unusual to loyal fans, it signifies a generational transition at Nintendo.

Newer development teams are taking on leading roles as the company continues to prioritize its robust portfolio and deliver fresh experiences for Switch players.

Despite this shift, Miyamoto’s legacy remains foundational to Nintendo’s success and ongoing innovation. Mario Kart World is now available on Nintendo Switch via physical release and eShop digital download.

For those curious about the game's full credits, they become available after completing the Special Cup, allowing players to see firsthand how the development team behind this milestone installment is recognized. As the franchise speeds into a new era, the absence of Miyamoto’s name on the credits offers a moment for reflection on both Nintendo’s legacy and its future.

Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Shigeru Miyamoto Switch Miyamoto Kart Mario Kart Tour Super Mario Kart The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom