Nintendo has confirmed why Mario Kart World on Switch 2 will not feature crossover characters from series like Zelda or Animal Crossing. According to producer Kosuke Yabuki, this time the focus is on maintaining the core Mario identity, despite fan expectations after Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
“This Is Mario’s World”: No Guest Characters This Time
In a new interview with Ouest, Yabuki explained that while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe expanded the roster with external characters like Link and Isabelle, the team wanted Mario Kart World to stay rooted in the core Mushroom Kingdom universe. The decision was made early on to “keep it in the family.”
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Despite removing franchise crossovers, Mario Kart World will still boast the largest character roster in the series’ history, with up to 24 racers per race. Returning faces like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser are joined by unexpected newcomers like Spike and even a Cow character, which Yabuki says has already “won over” early playtesters.
Gameplay First, Not Just Fanservice
One of Yabuki’s key points was balance. He emphasized that while character variety is broader than ever, the gameplay remains fair. Every racer, including the Cow, is designed to perform equally—ensuring that fun and competition take priority over branding or novelty.
“We wanted the fun to come from how people play together—not from relying on outside characters,” Yabuki said. The team also confirmed the title remains centered on shared enjoyment, not just visual cameos.
A New Direction for Karting Chaos
While some fans may miss seeing Link on the racetrack, Mario Kart World is clearly aiming for a more unified theme. With its expanded racer lineup, polished visuals, and reworked items, it’s shaping up to be a definitive Switch 2 showcase—even without the crossovers.
🔗 Related: Our exclusive hands-on impressions of Mario Kart World on Switch 2
