Mario Kart 8 on Switch DLC characters: Who’s next?

Nintendo presented a surprise to Mario Kart enthusiasts on Wednesday at its Nintendo Direct presentation. It revealed that both a brand-new course as well as a familiar face were coming to Nintendo’s game. Mario Kart 8 DeluxeNintendo Switch. The Yoshi’s Island track and fan-favorite Birdo are headed to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sometime this spring in wave 4 of Nintendo’s Booster Course Pass DLC.

It was also exciting to see that Nintendo had promised more returning characters from Mario Kart in future Booster Course Pass waves. Previously, Nintendo had only committed to new courses — 48 in total — being added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The addition of Birdo and additional racers makes the Booster Course Pass’ $24.99 price much more compelling.

Who’s next? With an existing roster of more than 40 playable characters — not including many multi-colored Yoshi and Shy Guys — who’s left to join Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Past games like Mario Kart WiiAnd Double DashYou might suggest a couple of candidates. Mobile game Mario Kart TourThere are even more possibilities. A good chunk of the “new” courses coming to Mario Kart 8 DeluxePayed DLC is brought over Mario Kart Tour, after all.

Mario Kart TourWhile there are many variations, the total number of playable characters is staggering at 220. For example, in addition to regular ol’ Mario, Tour feature Musician Mario, Santa Mario, Builder Mario, Chef Mario, Sunshine Mario, Halloween Mario, Golf Mario, and… a whole lot more Mario. But Tour also includes some drivers that aren’t available in Mario Kart 8 DeluxeMario Kart, or any other Mario Kart video game.

These are the top candidates for the future Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC.

Pauline

This is perhaps the best choice. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s future driver class is Pauline, the mayor of New Donk City. Pauline’s Mario Kart debut was in 2019, when she joined the team. TourA playable driver. Mario Kart’s dude quotient is high, so this elected official should definitely be in the Switch port. Mario Kart 8, given that she’s also a prominent figure in Super Mario Odyssey.

The Kongs

Mario Kart 8 DeluxeOnly one Kong exists: Donkey. Mario Kart TourIt has Five(including a Donkey Kong Jr. Super NES sprite-driver). That’s not only disrespectful to Diddy Kong, who once headlined his own racing game, but to Dixie and Funky, who both bring much-needed levels of monkey business to Tour. There is no better way to be proud than that Mario Kart 8 DeluxeIt has been a New Funky ModeWhy not add a few more fans-favorite Kongs to the mix?

Petey Piranha

It is possible to instill a generic Piranha Plant. Super Smash Bros. UltimatePetey may be in the mainline Mario Kart.

Captain Toad

I was physically unable to wait for candidate No. Toad. Star of Treasure tracker for Captain Toadand its breakout nature Super Mario 3D WorldHe needs more exposure and there is no better way than to introduce him to the public through Mario Kart. While we’re at it, let’s shoot for equality and bring Explorer Toadette with him.

Monty Mole

I don’t personally have much fondness for Monty Mole, who is kind of a jerk in Super Mario World, but there’s something quite funny about a mole who can drive. Monty Mole’s Mario Kart debut was in Tour in 2020, and I’d love to see him graduate to the big leagues. Is he able to see the road ahead?!

The Furries

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has multiple metallic Marios, but what it doesn’t have are cat versions of Peach, Luigi, Toad, and Bowser (aka Meowser). Mario Kart TourThis game is loaded with furry options including Kitsune Luigi and White Tanooki Mario. Nintendo, spice it up! You’ll have more body hair!

Kamek

Kamek will have a prominent role in April’s The Super Mario Bros.Film. I can only assume that when Kamek Mania sweeps the globe this April, it will grease the wheels for the Magikoopa’s appearance in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This will make up for Kamek’s removal from the roster. Mario Kart 64More than 25 years ago

Chargin’ Chuck

Does Chargin’ Chuck need to be in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? No. No. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? 1,000,000% yes. It is not negotiable. Chuck can be added to it. It’s HIS signature car!

Wave 4 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass DLC arrives sometime this spring. The second wave will roll out until the end 2023.