The gaming community erupted with excitement after Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct revealed that the beloved Cow NPC would transition from background scenery to a fully playable character in Mario Kart World. This unexpected promotion traces back to a humorous sketch that captured the development team's imagination. Slated for simultaneous release with the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, Mario Kart World continues generating buzz with its expanded roster and innovative features.

As the newest installment in the legendary Mario Kart franchise, Mario Kart World revolutionizes the series with its open-world design, diverse game modes, and enhanced Photo Mode functionality. While some debate the game's pricing model, the inclusion of unexpected racers like Cow has captured players' imaginations and fueled anticipation for the title's launch.

In Volume 18 of Nintendo's Ask the Developer interview series, the creative team shares insights about Mario Kart World's development journey. Originally planned for the Nintendo Switch, technical considerations prompted the delay until Switch 2's capabilities could properly realize the game's ambitious open-world vision. The developers revealed how a simple doodle of Cow operating a vehicle became the inspiration for expanding the roster with numerous previously non-playable characters in Mario Kart World, tapping into the series' rich universe of overlooked personalities.

Mario Kart World's Expanded Roster of NPC Racers

• Cow
• Cataquack
• Chargin' Chuck
• Cheep Cheep
• Coin Coffer
• Conkdor
• Dolphin
• Fish Bone
• Goomba
• Hammer Bro
• King Boo
• Monty Mole
• Nabbit
• Para-Biddybud
• Peepa
• Penguin
• Pianta
• Piranha Plant
• Pokey
• Rocky Wrench
• Sidestepper
• Snowman
• Spike
• Stingby
• Swoop

Mario Kart World delivers an unprecedented selection of 50 racers, with 25 making their playable debut. The eclectic lineup ranges from the viral Cow sensation to classic adversaries like Goomba, Monty Mole, and Hammer Bro. Notably, Petey Piranha from the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC makes way for a standard Piranha Plant, while King Boo replaces his spectral counterpart. The roster surprises continue with unconventional choices like Nabbit, Chargin' Chuck, and the skeletal Fish Bone joining the starting grid.

Following the positive reception to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's expanded roster, Nintendo doubles down with Mario Kart World's most diverse character selection yet. Combined with innovative new items in Mario Kart World, the game continues building momentum toward its June 5 launch. Racing enthusiasts can experience all these innovations when Mario Kart World arrives exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.