Mario Kart World Roster: Developer Explains Decision to Exclude Non-Mario Characters

Mario Kart World Roster: Developer Explains Decision to Exclude Non-Mario Characters Nintendo’s long-running Mario Kart franchise has made another major splash with the recent release of Mario Kart World for the Nintendo Switch.

This latest installment delivers an expansive, varied, and carefully balanced roster of playable characters—again capturing the enduring appeal that has made the series a racing staple for decades.

Since its launch, Mario Kart World has quickly gained traction amongst fans and critics alike, being lauded for its refined gameplay mechanics, vibrant visuals, and classic party appeal that defines the Mario Kart experience. One particular talking point, however, has been the character lineup.

While Mario Kart World features a diverse set of fan favorites from the Mario universe, some players have expressed curiosity about the absence of non-Mario themed characters.

Addressing these roster decisions, producer Kosuke Yabuki spoke with Ouest-France, sharing insight into the development team’s approach. Yabuki emphasized that integrating characters from outside the Mario universe was not seen as coherent with the game’s direction, stating: "As developers, we found it would be incongruous to introduce characters from other franchises into the Mario Kart universe." He elaborated that, given the wealth of options and creative potential within the existing Mario roster, the team did not feel compelled to expand further: "There are already so many characters and costumes available that we’re confident everyone will find something they enjoy within this cast." Mario Kart World’s broad selection includes iconic figures such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Bowser, and many more, each featuring a variety of unique costumes and vehicle options.

This focus on internal universe consistency marks a continued commitment by Nintendo to keep the franchise’s identity at the forefront, celebrating the characters and worlds that players know and love. Since its release, Mario Kart World has performed strongly across multiple territories, bolstered by its exclusive availability on the Nintendo Switch platform and a steady stream of digital content on the Nintendo eShop.

The game follows a tradition of excellence for the Mario Kart series, which has sold over 166 million units worldwide across all entries as of June 2024, making it one of Nintendo’s most successful properties. For longtime fans and new players alike, Mario Kart World’s robust character roster underscores the franchise’s core ethos: delivering inclusive, accessible fun rooted in the mainline Mario universe.

With the continued efforts of producer Kosuke Yabuki and the Nintendo development team, Mario Kart World serves as both an evolution of the classic formula and a celebration of all things Mario.

Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch Kart Kosuke Yabuki Yabuki