The upcoming Mario Kart 2 for the Nintendo Switch 2 has fans buzzing with anticipation. With new footage revealed alongside the Switch 2, speculation is rife about which characters will join the race. While fan favorites are a given, there’s a treasure trove of forgotten Nintendo characters ripe for a Mario Kart debut. Reintroducing these obscure racers could not only revitalize the series but also introduce a new generation to some classic Nintendo properties. Let’s explore 10 forgotten characters who deserve a spot on the starting grid.
Paper Mario
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Metal Mario is a classic, but Paper Mario, arguably the best Mario variant, deserves his own place in Mario Kart 2. With the recent remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, the timing couldn’t be better. His lightweight paper physique would offer a unique racing dynamic compared to Mario and Metal Mario’s weight classes. A kart inspired by Color Splash or Origami King would be fitting, and a Rogue Port track would be the perfect homage to the Paper Mario series.
Toadsworth
Toadsworth
A mainstay in various Mario sports titles, Toadsworth is overdue for a proper Mario Kart appearance. His brief cameo in Double Dash simply isn’t enough. With Toad and Toadette already racing, adding the elder Toadsworth to complete the trio seems natural. He could share their weight class, drive a stately mushroom-themed kart, or even a reimagined Parade Kart from Double Dash. A track based around Princess Peach’s Castle, reflecting his role as her steward, would be a perfect fit.
Geno
Geno
The Super Mario RPG remake has reignited hopes for Geno’s inclusion in Mario Kart. His distinct design and personality would make him a standout racer. He’d likely fit into the middleweight category, mirroring his stats from Super Mario RPG. A shooting star or Star Piece kart would be thematically appropriate, while a combined Rose Town and Forest Maze track would pay homage to his origins.
Cackletta
Cackletta
Representing the Mario & Luigi series, Cackletta, the antagonist of Superstar Saga, would be a fantastic villainous addition. Her unique design and bean-themed magic would make her a memorable racer. She’d likely fall into the middleweight category. A bean-themed kart, or one referencing her Bowser possession form, would be ideal. A Beanbean Kingdom track would further solidify her representation.
Professor E. Gadd
Professor E. Gadd
Luigi’s Mansion’s resident paranormal expert, Professor E. Gadd, deserves more recognition. His eccentric personality and gadgets would translate perfectly to Mario Kart. A middleweight classification seems appropriate. A Poltergust-themed kart would be a must-have, and a track inspired by his laboratory, perhaps featuring Gooigi cameos, would be a fun addition.
King Wart
King Wart
A deep cut from Super Mario Bros. 2, King Wart is ripe for reintroduction. His heavyweight presence would add another formidable villain to the roster. A dream machine-inspired kart would be a fitting tribute to his origins. A Subcon-themed track, updated for modern audiences, would be the perfect complement.
Tatanga
Tatanga
Another obscure villain, Tatanga from Super Mario Land, boasts a unique alien design. He’d likely be a lightweight or middleweight racer. His spaceship from Super Mario Land would make a perfect kart. Given his extraterrestrial origins, Mario Kart 2 could even create and name his home planet for a unique track.
King Bob-omb
King Bob-omb
The iconic Super Mario 64 boss, King Bob-omb, deserves a place amongst the heavyweight villain racers. A Bob-omb Cannon kart would be a natural choice. A reimagined Bob-omb Battlefield track, either faithful to the original or given a modern makeover, would be a perfect homage.
Goomba
Goomba
Often overlooked, the humble Goomba deserves a chance to shine. As a lightweight racer, he could offer a unique gameplay experience. While his kart design is open to interpretation, something mouth-operated would be a humorous touch. Given Goomba’s ubiquity in the Mario universe, the track possibilities are vast.
Pak E. Derm
Pak E. Derm
The stop-sign-wielding elephant from Yoshi’s Story, Pak E. Derm, would be a delightful heavyweight addition. A storybook-themed kart incorporating his iconic sign would be perfect. A Yoshi’s Story-inspired track would be a fitting tribute and complement the existing Yoshi content in Mario Kart.
These are just a few of the many forgotten characters who could enrich the Mario Kart 2 roster. With such a vast library of characters and games to draw from, the possibilities are truly endless.
