The gaming community is abuzz with the exciting announcement of the new voice actors for Mario Kart World's beloved characters, Peach and Toad. Paul Castro Jr. and Courtney Lin have officially taken over these iconic roles, as confirmed through their social media posts where they expressed gratitude towards Nintendo for this incredible opportunity.

This transition comes after the surprising news in June 2025 that Samantha Kelly, who had been the voice behind Peach and Toad for nearly two decades, would no longer be lending her talents to these characters in Mario Kart World. The change marks a significant shift for fans who have grown accustomed to Kelly's performances across numerous Nintendo titles.

Mario Kart World stands as the flagship title for Nintendo's next-generation console, the Switch 2. The game revolutionizes the classic racing formula by introducing an open-world adventure format. Players can enjoy innovative modes like Knockout Tour, a battle-royale-style race with checkpoints and eliminations, and Free Roam, which allows exploration of the expansive map to complete various missions. Traditional modes such as Grand Prix and Time Trial have also been enhanced with new mechanics, offering fresh experiences for veteran players.

Despite the game's positive reception, some fans have expressed disappointment over certain gameplay aspects and the departure of Samantha Kelly. The veteran voice actor, who had portrayed Peach and Toad in over 70 games, shared a bittersweet farewell message on social media, thanking fans for their support over her 18-year tenure.

Paul Castro Jr., known for his role as Vegeta (mini) in Dragon Ball DAIMA, expressed his excitement about voicing Toad, calling it a "childhood dream come true." Meanwhile, Courtney Lin, the new voice of Peach and Baby Peach, shared her gratitude for being entrusted with such an iconic role, promising to honor the legacy of the character while bringing her own unique touch.

Latest Game Information