Mario Kart World Launches on Nintendo Switch 2—Diddy Kong’s Absence Noted by Fans

Mario Kart World, the latest entry in one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises, races onto the Nintendo Switch 2 this Thursday, bringing a revitalized lineup of beloved and new characters to eager fans around the globe.

The highly anticipated title, developed and published by Nintendo, aims to build on the legacy of its predecessors, both in gameplay innovation and iconic character selection—a key factor at the heart of Mario Kart’s enduring popularity. Longstanding fans of the series have noticed a surprising omission from the initial playable roster: Diddy Kong, who has previously appeared as a staple racer in Mario Kart: Double Dash for GameCube and returned in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe through its Booster Course Pass.

Diddy Kong’s energetic presence and unique visual identity have made him a fan favorite across several titles, so his absence in the newly launched Mario Kart World has not gone unnoticed. As part of a recent interview, IGN reached out to Mario Kart World producer Kosuke Yabuki to address Diddy Kong’s status in the latest game.

When asked whether the character would join the roster on Nintendo Switch 2, Yabuki responded succinctly, stating, “I’m afraid I can’t say anything at this time.” While not outright confirming or denying Diddy Kong’s involvement in future updates or expansions, the statement indicates Nintendo’s position of keeping further character reveals under wraps for the time being. Elsewhere, fans noted that Nintendo has introduced a new design update for Diddy Kong, leading many to anticipate his return in Mario Kart World.

Notably, Donkey Kong also receives a significant visual overhaul in the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza, and is confirmed as a playable character in Mario Kart World.

This alignment across titles reflects Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to updating its character lineup for new hardware generations and modern audiences. Mario Kart World’s release marks another milestone for the franchise.

Its launch on Nintendo Switch 2 leverages the hardware’s capabilities, including enhanced graphics and improved online multiplayer, ensuring that the racing action remains as competitive and enjoyable as ever.

With a roster packed with classic favorites and new faces, the game continues the tradition of providing one of the most engaging multiplayer experiences available on any Nintendo platform. For players looking to see the full list of Mario Kart World playable characters at launch, comprehensive information is available on Nintendo’s official channels and the eShop.

As the community celebrates the release, many are already wondering about future content and potential roster expansions—signals that Nintendo continues to deliver compelling experiences, generation after generation.

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