Top 10 Characters that Should Be Added to Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World is a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. While the character roster is good, it is missing some fan favorites.

These are the characters that should be added through updates or DLC, because additional content is likely going to come to the game.

The Top Ten

Diddy Kong

Diddy Kong is a fictional character in the Donkey Kong Country video game series. He first appeared in the 1994 game Donkey Kong Country, developed by Rare and published by Nintendo. Diddy Kong is known as Donkey Kong's sidekick and is a playable character in several games.

It's a shame Nintendo has been leaving Diddy Kong out of Mario spinoff games recently.
I'm hoping they are saving him for DLC after DK Bonanza comes out, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is not included in World at all. He deserves to be in the game.

I hate the Koopalings. The monkey better get in well before those seven turds.
Larry Koopa

Larry Koopa is the youngest of the Koopalings. He first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 3, which was released in North America in 1990. Larry is recognized for his blue mohawk and mischievous personality, and he was created by Nintendo as one of Bowser's seven minions.

This goes for all the Koopalings. Morton, Roy, and Larry signs can be seen in Mario Kart World, but they are not in the game.
I'm just really hoping they add them in as DLC because I love the Koopalings, unlike most people on this site. If they never get in the game, then I'll be upset.
Iggy Koopa

He's my favorite Super Mario character ever! If they don't put him in, then I will throw a huge tantrum! Okay, I'm kidding, but I would still be very upset if he doesn't come to World.
Petey Piranha

Petey Piranha is a large mutant version of the Piranha Plant in the Super Mario franchise. He first appeared in Super Mario Sunshine and has since become a recurring boss character in the series. Petey has also featured in various sports and spin-off games.

There is a regular Piranha Plant, but where is Petey?
I loved playing as him in 8 Deluxe when he was added in the Booster Course Pass. It's a shame he is nowhere to be seen in the game at launch.
King Bob-omb

King Bob-omb debuted as a boss character in the 1996 video game Super Mario 64. He became a recurring boss in later spin-off games such as Mario Party 9 and Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. He is known for his royal appearance and explosive attacks.

I thought for sure he would be in the game, but he is nowhere to be seen. Hopefully he gets put in as DLC.
Dixie Kong

Dixie Kong is a character from the Donkey Kong series. She is Diddy Kong's girlfriend and Tiny Kong's older sister. She first appeared as a playable character in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest.

I love Dixie Kong, and I have always wanted to play as her in a Mario spinoff game.
I had hope since she was in Mario Kart Tour that she would be in World, but unfortunately, she's not in the game. Hopefully she can be added in the future and not just be stuck in Tour only.
Kamek

Kamek is a recurring enemy character in the Mario Bros. franchise. He frequently appears in titles such as the New Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. series, often casting spells to hinder the player's progress. He is a Magikoopa who typically serves as an assistant to Bowser.... read more

They made him an item after finally being added to 8 Deluxe.
Games have seen multiple Magikoopas, so why not add him as a racer too?

Kamek being a free playable character would be amazing.
Dry Bowser

Dry Bowser is the skeletal version of Bowser, the main antagonist of the Mario franchise. He first appeared in New Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo DS, after Bowser was dropped into lava and re-emerged as a skeleton.
Since then, Dry Bowser has appeared in titles like Super Mario 3D Land, the... read more
Funky Kong

Funky Kong is a character from the SNES game Donkey Kong Country, where he runs Funky's Flights, providing transportation between game levels. He is best known for his appearance in Mario Kart Wii, where he became a fan favorite due to his high-performance stats. In the game, he has a +4 speed and +3... read more

He's so funky. I love his cool groove in those glasses.
Man, he should definitely be added to Mario Kart.
Poochy

The Newcomers

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R.O.B.
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Honey Queen

Honey Queen, better known in Super Mario Galaxy as Queen Bee, is the queen of the honeybees. She is a very large bee who frequently speaks in nosism, referring to herself using plural pronouns. She appears in both Super Mario Galaxy games, ruling over the honeybees in three different galaxies, and also... read more

The Contenders

Paper Mario
Screaming Pillar
Cranky Kong
Kirby

Kirby is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Kirby series of video games, owned by Nintendo and developed by HAL Laboratory. His first appearance was in Kirby's Dream Land, released in 1992 for the Game Boy. The pink, spherical hero is known for his ability to inhale enemies and copy their... read more
Lemmy Koopa

Lemmy Koopa is the youngest of the seven original children of Bowser, the Koopa King. Fascinated by the circus and acrobatic acts, he has made performing his life's calling. Lemmy dreams of showcasing his physical feats and never misses a chance to captivate an audience.... read more

As someone who used Lemmy the majority of the time in 8 Deluxe, I would definitely like this.
Starlow
Captain Syrup
Baby Wario
Peachette
Luma
Pink Gold Peach

Pink Gold Peach is a character who debuted in Mario Kart 8 as an unlockable playable character. She is a metallic variant of Princess Peach, similar to how Metal Mario is a variant of Mario. Pink Gold Peach has appeared in several subsequent Mario Kart titles.
King K. Rool

King K. Rool is a fictional anthropomorphic crocodile and the main antagonist in Nintendo's Donkey Kong video game franchise. He is the recurring enemy of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, often appearing in various villainous roles such as pirate, mad scientist, and wrestler. King K. Rool is known for his... read more
Stella
Goombella