Mario Kart 9 Character Roster: Returning and New Faces Teased for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo fans received an exciting glimpse of the future when Mario Kart 9 was officially teased for the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

While many details remain closely guarded until the next major Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, the initial reveal has already stirred the gaming community.

Early footage showcased an impressive 24 racer slots on track—doubling the participant count per match compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and hinting at larger, more frenetic races and an expanded approach to the series’ storied character roster. Mario Kart 9, which is a tentative title as Nintendo has not confirmed its final name, represents the next evolution of the iconic kart-racing series.

The franchise, developed by Nintendo, has consistently topped sales charts, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe selling over 60 million units worldwide since its launch on the original Nintendo Switch and the eShop.

As the series prepares to transition to Nintendo Switch 2, the growing roster and advanced hardware promise to elevate the competitive experience for veterans and newcomers alike. When it comes to returning characters, Nintendo appears to be honoring fan favorites while offering fresh selections.

In the brief reveal trailer, sharp-eyed fans identified a variety of familiar faces on the starting grid, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Toad, Toadette, Bowser, Rosalina, Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, Koopa Troopa, Pauline, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Baby Peach, Baby Daisy, Baby Rosalina, Shy Guy, Bowser Jr., King Boo, Birdo, and Lakitu.

The return of Pauline, who rose in prominence with appearances in Mario Kart Tour and as a DLC addition to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, signals Nintendo’s commitment to celebrating newer Mario universe icons. Veteran players will also be eager to see if frequently requested racers such as Petey Piranha, Kamek, Dry Bones, and Dry Bowser from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or unique picks from Mario Kart Tour like Monty Mole, Hammer Bro, Poochy, King Bob-omb, and Nabbit, make the cut.

The series has also historically included cross-franchise guests—Link, Inkling, Villager, and Isabelle—as playable characters.

Nintendo has not yet commented on the return of these non-Super Mario characters, but their inclusion would further broaden the roster’s appeal. Besides acclaimed regulars, the expanded player count opens the door for new faces.

For the first time, there is renewed discussion about including overlooked Mario enemies such as Goomba or Blooper as racers.

Long-demanded characters from associated adventures—such as Cappy from Super Mario Odyssey, Olivia from Paper Mario: The Origami King, Geno from Super Mario RPG, and partners from the Mario & Luigi series—are also potential candidates.

Donkey Kong’s increased popularity, fueled by recent film adaptations and game remasters, strengthens the case for adding more DK franchise members, including Dixie Kong and King K.

Rool. One omission that caught fan attention is the absence of Miis in the initial glimpses of Mario Kart 9.

With Nintendo recently shifting focus towards new avatar systems in titles like Nintendo Switch Sports, the potential sidelining of Miis remains an open question for veteran users accustomed to customizing their racing experience. As Nintendo readies the full reveal at the upcoming Nintendo Direct, Mario Kart remains a flagship franchise—its enduring success built on innovative gameplay, fresh characters, and lively competition.

The tease of a larger, more diverse roster for Nintendo Switch 2 underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to evolving its premier racing series.

Fans can look forward to more announcements as the launch draws nearer, with the potential for new and returning racers poised to make Mario Kart 9—or whatever its final title may be—the definitive kart racing experience on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch Mario Kart 9 Kart Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Mario Kart Tour Donkey Kong WarioWare Pauline Cappy King K. Rool Paper Mario Wario Link Inkling Isabelle Villager Birdo Bowser Rosalina Toad Luigi Peach