50 Playable Characters Confirmed for Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2: Full Roster and Details

Nintendo has officially confirmed that Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated installment in its iconic kart racing franchise, will feature a remarkable roster of 50 playable characters.

This information was unveiled during the recent Nintendo Direct presentation focused exclusively on Mario Kart World for the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

The announcement marks an important milestone in the evolution of the Mario Kart series, building on decades of racing action beloved by fans around the world. Mario Kart World is poised to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, and with its expanded character lineup, the game aims to deliver its most robust multiplayer experience yet.

Nintendo's latest Direct offered a closer look at the gameplay, detailing how up to 24 players can compete simultaneously, a first for any game in the franchise.

The presentation, which lasted 15 minutes, also included footage highlighting new and returning racetracks, promising both nostalgia and innovative challenges for racing enthusiasts. According to the official press kit shared by Nintendo, the roster of 50 playable characters includes long-standing favorites such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, as well as newcomers making their racing debut in Mario Kart World.

The expanded list reflects fan feedback and the series’ ongoing commitment to inclusivity and variety.

This new character count surpasses all previous entries, cementing Mario Kart World's ambition to set a new standard for character diversity within the genre. An official representative stated that the team "wanted to give players the biggest racing lineup ever in a Mario Kart game, ensuring that everyone can find their favorite character to compete with on the track." The message was clear: Mario Kart World seeks to deliver an unparalleled multiplayer experience with enhanced customization options and dynamic character interactions. Nintendo's development team also showcased new and reimagined tracks designed for the technical capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2, hinting at advances in visual fidelity and performance.

While a complete list of the 50 characters is expected to be released ahead of launch, early glimpses provided in the Direct and through hands-on events suggest a mix of classic, obscure, and fan-requested racers. Initially announced alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, Mario Kart World has sustained high levels of anticipation in the months leading up to its release.

Its predecessors have consistently dominated the charts, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe standing as one of the best-selling titles on Nintendo Switch to date, boasting over 60 million copies sold worldwide as of 2024. With its confirmed 50-playable-character roster, online support for 24 competitors, and the game’s exclusive debut on Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World is positioned to attract both dedicated fans and newcomers.

For the latest official information, be sure to follow Nintendo’s news feeds and check the eShop for pre-order details and updates as the launch date approaches.

Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Nintendo Direct press kit