Taking place during the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer,Mario Kart 9’s teaser lasted for just 15 seconds, but that was more than enough time for Nintendo to hint at some bold new features potentially coming to the series. Based on the brief footage, it seems likely thatMario Kart 9will introduce 24-player races, along with some wider tracks to accommodate the larger lobby.
IfMario Kart 9is going to have 24-player lobbies, then it’s going to need a sizable roster. Fans think they’ve already spotted around 20 characters inMario Kart 9’s teaser, ranging from franchise staples like Mario, Luigi, and Peach, to newer additions to the sub-series likeSuper Mario Odyssey’s Pauline. The rumored roster already has plenty of fan-favorites, but there are plenty of other Nintendo characters who finally deserve a shot behind the wheel.
Super Mario Characters Who Should Appear in Mario Kart 9
Toadsworth
Introduced inSuper Mario Sunshine, Toadsworth is Princess Peach’s oldest advisor, and he’s an adorable fan-favorite character. Toadsworth has had plenty of appearances over the years, ranging fromMario GolfandMario TennistoMario PartyandMario & Luigi. Toadsworth even appeared inMario Kart: Double Dash, taking the lead position in the victory parade. But despite all that, Toadsworth has never been a playable driver inMario Kart, and it’s about time that changed.
Professor E. Gadd
The in-universe inventor behindSuper Mario Sunshine’s FLUDDandLuigi’s Mansion’s various Poltergust iterations, Professor E. Gadd has primarily appeared in theLuigi’s Mansionseries and theMario & Luigiseries, though he’s had a few cameos in games likeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. Professor E. Gadd was cut fromMario Kart DS' roster, and for years, fans have wanted Nintendo to rectify that.
Goomba
One ofSuper Mario’s most iconic enemy types, Goombas have appeared throughout theMario Kartseries, often taking on the role of a stage hazard. But it might finally be time for Goombas to get behind the wheel, with them being just as deserving of a proper spot as Shy Guys, Dry Bones, or any otherMarioenemy.
King K. Rool
For a while now,Donkey Kongcharacters have been a sizable part ofMario Kart’s roster, with the titular gorilla and some of his relatives appearing several times over the last few decades.Mario Kart 9should embraceDonkey Kongmore so than ever before, and King K. Rool should be the first newDKcharacter to join the roster.
Other Nintendo Characters Who Should Appear in Mario Kart 9
Mario Kart 8added a handful of crossover characters to the roster, includingSplatoon’s Inklings,The Legend of Zelda’s Link, andAnimal Crossing’s Isabelle. WhileMario Kart 9should prioritize bringing long-requestedMariocharacters to the table, it’d be great to see a few more crossover drivers in the upcoming sequel.
F-Zero’s Captain Falcon
A newF-Zeromight still be a pipe dream, but getting Captain Falcon inMario Kart 9shouldn’t be.Mario Kart 8already had tracks and karts inspired byF-Zero, so it would feel like a natural progression for Captain Falcon to joinMario Kart 9’s roster.
Metroid’s Samus
Samus Aran is one of Nintendo’s most iconic mascots, and she deserves a spot onMario Kart 9’s roster. Her appearance could also be perfectly timed, withMetroid Prime 4rumored to be a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title alongsideMario Kart 9.
Star Fox’s Fox McCloud
Much likeF-Zero, theStar Foxseries also seems to be on indefinite hiatus. ButMario Kart 9has the opportunity to keep the series alive by adding Fox McCloud to the roster.
