No Zelda or Animal Crossing in Mario Kart World, Says Producer

Nintendo's upcoming title, Mario Kart World, will feature a focus entirely on the Mushroom Kingdom, with no characters from other franchises such as Zelda or Animal Crossing. Producer Kosuke Yabuki stressed that this decision maintains the world’s consistency, eliminating any incongruous character additions. This follows the tradition of Mario Kart 8, which included cross-franchise characters, but the new installment aims to deepen its identity within the Mario universe. Notably, the ability to race as a Mii has also been removed, but Yabuki assures players that the many available characters and costumes will cater to diverse player preferences.

In Mario Kart World, players will experience an expansive open map designed to mimic a road trip through iconic Mario locations like Peach's Castle and Bowser's Fortress. Yabuki points out that bringing in characters from other Nintendo games would complicate the storyline and aesthetics of the game. The focus is also part of a larger strategy by Nintendo to solidify the Mario franchise's unique identity separate from its other beloved properties.

No, Mario Kart World will not include characters from other Nintendo franchises, focusing solely on existing characters from the Mario universe to maintain a cohesive gameplay experience.

Mario Kart is a beloved series that debuted in 1992 and has captivated audiences with its unique blend of racing and items. The latest iteration, Mario Kart World, promises to deliver an expansive environment for fans, while avoiding confusion with crossovers, reinforcing the legacy and charm of the Mario franchise.