Nintendo’s highly anticipated Mario Kart 9 is shaping up to be the most expansive entry in the series, featuring a diverse character lineup, enhanced designs, and unique vehicles tailored to each racer. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the revealed and speculative characters so far:
1. Mario

The franchise’s iconic protagonist offers balanced stats, making him a great all-rounder. His Standard Kart is reliable and versatile for any track.
2. Luigi

Mario’s brother has slightly better handling and acceleration. He races in the Poltergust Kart, inspired by Luigi’s Mansion.
3. Donkey Kong
A heavyweight racer with high speed but slower acceleration. His design has been updated to reflect his look in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Donkey Kong drives the Barrel Kart, a wooden vehicle styled after his theme.
4. Wario
Greedy and mischievous, Wario boasts excellent speed and weight, making him ideal for overpowering opponents. His Wario Bike is a fan favorite.
5. Waluigi
Waluigi, known for his quirky personality, excels in handling. He races in the sleek Streamliner kart.
6. Princess Peach

Elegant and versatile, Peach features balanced stats as a mid-weight character. She rides the Royal Cruiser, a kart that complements her royal flair.
7. Princess Daisy

Peach’s energetic counterpart has strong acceleration. Daisy’s vehicle, the Bloom Bike, reflects her vibrant and upbeat personality.
8. Yoshi

This adorable dinosaur is known for his great acceleration and handling. Yoshi races in the Egg Kart, designed to look like his signature eggs.
9. Toad

Toad is a lightweight racer with excellent speed and cornering abilities. He uses the Toad Kart, a mushroom-themed vehicle.
10. Bowser
The heavyweight king of the Koopas dominates the track with top speed and raw power. Bowser’s Flame Rider kart matches his fiery persona.
11. Toadette
Toadette is a light racer with similar stats to Toad, making her a great pick for beginners. Her pink and mushroom-themed Toadette Kart adds a touch of charm.
12. Rosalina

The cosmic princess combines elegance and weight for a unique racing style. Rosalina races in the Comet Kart, which features a space-inspired design.
13. Pauline
Making her Mario Kart debut, Pauline brings glamour and charisma to the track. She rides the Metro Racer, a sleek kart inspired by New Donk City.
14. Baby Mario
A lighter and faster version of Mario with less top speed. Baby Mario uses the Mini Standard Kart, a smaller variant of Mario’s signature vehicle.
15. Baby Luigi
Similar to Baby Mario, Baby Luigi offers great acceleration and handling. He races in the Mini Poltergust Kart, a tiny ghost-inspired ride.
16. Baby Peach
Baby Peach is a lightweight racer with exceptional cornering ability. She drives the Mini Royal Kart, a scaled-down version of Peach’s vehicle.
17. Baby Rosalina
A baby version of Rosalina with balanced lightweight stats. Her Mini Comet Kart mirrors her cosmic theme in a smaller form.
18. Baby Daisy
This cheerful lightweight racer excels in acceleration. She races in the Mini Bloom Bike, a perfect match for her energetic personality.
19. King Boo
The spooky King Boo is a heavyweight character with high speed. His Ghostly Glider kart adds an eerie, floaty feel to his racing style.
20. Koopa Troopa
A classic lightweight racer with great speed and handling. Koopa Troopa rides the Shell Kart, which features a turtle-themed design.
21. Birdo
Yoshi’s colorful counterpart offers balanced stats. Birdo races in the Ribbon Racer, a bright and stylish vehicle.
Potential Additions: Speculative Characters
Based on previous games, these characters might join the roster:
- Shy Guy, known for his anonymity and strong acceleration.
- Dry Bones, a lightweight undead Koopa.
- Bowser Jr., Bowser’s mischievous son.
- Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong’s playful sidekick.
- Funky Kong, a fan-favorite with a speed-focused playstyle.
- Lakitu, the helpful race referee turned racer.
With an expanded roster and support for up to 24 players in a single race, Mario Kart 9 promises an unparalleled racing experience. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details in the upcoming Nintendo Direct.