Mario Kart World for Switch 2: Kevin Afghani Reflects on Iconic Role in Nintendo’s Beloved Kart Racing Series

With the highly anticipated release of Mario Kart World as a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo continues its legacy of innovative, family-friendly gaming experiences.

As one of the most enduring and successful franchises in gaming history, the Mario Kart series has sold over 170 million units worldwide since its debut in 1992 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

The launch of Mario Kart World marks not only a new era for the franchise but also the return of voice actor Kevin Afghani, who first stepped into the iconic role of Mario in Super Mario Bros.

Wonder in 2023. Kevin Afghani, whose voice work now carries the legacy of Nintendo’s most recognized character, recently shared his thoughts on social media regarding his involvement in Mario Kart World.

In his official statement, Afghani expressed immense gratitude and excitement, explaining that hearing his own voice in a Mario Kart title was a surreal and deeply meaningful experience.

He described the Mario Kart series as an "integral part of his formative years" and stated how fortunate he feels to contribute to games that have significantly influenced his life. Alongside his work as Mario, Afghani also lends his voice to other key characters in the Mario universe, including Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi.

His versatility has made him a prominent figure within Nintendo’s voice acting roster since his debut with the release of Super Mario Bros.

Wonder on Nintendo Switch.

Afghani previously conveyed similar sentiments during the launch of Super Mario Party Jamboree in October 2023, further illustrating his connection to the beloved franchise and its fanbase. The release of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 not only demonstrates Nintendo’s continued commitment to evolving its hardware platforms but also to refining beloved gameplay experiences.

The game is now available through the eShop and a physical release, accessible to a new generation of fans eager to race on imaginative new tracks and classic circuits alike. The Switch 2 platform, announced in a special Nintendo Direct, offers significant improvements in processing power and graphical fidelity, enhancing the already vibrant and frenetic action of the Mario Kart series.

With new features, expanded multiplayer modes, and the return of favorite characters, Mario Kart World aims to continue the franchise’s tradition of excellence. In related news, the voice of Princess Peach has also changed, ending an 18-year tenure.

Nintendo’s ongoing attention to both character consistency and creative evolution ensures that each new iteration of the franchise maintains the charm, accessibility, and joyful spirit that fans worldwide have come to expect. Mario Kart World signals not only a technological step forward for Nintendo, but also a touching full-circle moment for Kevin Afghani, now the global voice of Mario.

As the series accelerates into a new generation on Switch 2, both Nintendo and Afghani are poised to bring joy to millions of players, reinforcing why Mario Kart remains a pillar of the gaming industry.

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