Kevin Afghani Shares His Joy as the New Voice of Mario in Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch

Kevin Afghani, who recently stepped into the iconic role of voicing Mario and several other cherished characters from Nintendo’s legendary Mario franchise, has publicly expressed his excitement after hearing himself in the newly launched Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch.

The announcement comes as Nintendo continues to evolve its flagship titles, emphasizing the importance of legacy and innovation within the gaming industry. Mario Kart World, the newest entry in Nintendo’s highly successful Mario Kart series, released for the Nintendo Switch, continues the franchise’s legacy of fun, accessible racing gameplay.

Since its debut, the Mario Kart series has become one of Nintendo’s best-selling franchises, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe alone surpassing 55 million units sold worldwide as of March 2024, according to official Nintendo sales data.

The introduction of Kevin Afghani as the new voice talent not only ushers in a new era but also honors the heart of the Mario legacy that has delighted gamers around the globe for decades. Sharing his heartfelt reaction on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the game’s release, Afghani conveyed his gratitude and sense of wonder at being involved.

In his message, he described the experience as truly extraordinary, reflecting on how playing Mario Kart was a defining part of his own childhood.

"Hearing myself in a game like Mario Kart World is simply unbelievable.

These games were such a major part of my formative years, and it's surreal to now be part of a franchise that shaped my own love of gaming," Afghani shared with his followers.

He went on to express that he feels incredibly fortunate to join a project with such deep personal and cultural significance, and wished fans an amazing time enjoying the game. Afghani’s involvement follows a distinguished lineage of performers who have contributed to the identity of Mario, one of video gaming’s most enduring and recognizable characters.

His appointment was officially confirmed by Nintendo in 2023, as the company began refreshing its core franchises ahead of the next wave of content for Nintendo Switch.

In addition to voicing Mario, Afghani lends his talents to other classic franchise characters, ensuring continuity and bringing a fresh dimension to the series. As Mario Kart World continues to receive praise for its vibrant visuals and polished gameplay, the addition of Afghani’s voice work marks a notable moment for both the franchise and fans.

The game is available now on the Nintendo eShop and physical retailers worldwide, securing its place among Nintendo’s must-play titles for 2025.

This milestone is a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to both honoring tradition and embracing new voices in their enduring classics. For more news on Mario Kart World and exclusive updates from Nintendo Direct presentations, stay tuned to our site for in-depth coverage and analysis.

Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch Kart Kevin Afghani Mario franchise