GIF Preview of All the New Racers in ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’
Nintendo is bringing back the Mario Kart series on the Nintendo Switch this Friday, and by all accounts, we have a lot to be excited about. An update of the original Wii U kart racer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe includes a revamped Battle Mode where you can destroy your friends in new arenas, a 200cc engine class for blazing speeds, and an expanded character roster including 6 brand-new characters and all 6 original DLC racers. Taking cues from Super Smash Bros, some of the new characters are crossovers from other Nintendo franchises. Here are all the new characters you can bring to the finish line.
First, The Legend of Zelda’s Link takes a break from exploring Hyrule (and dying constantly) to race with his killer horse-themed motorcycle.
Some of the most notable additions are the Inklings from Nintendo’s latest ink-based team shooter, Splatoon. Here, Inkling Girl is making mischief in the new Urchin Underpass arena.
Not to be outdone, Inkling Boy claims his own territory, only with red shells instead of ink.
Just like in Splatoon, the Inklings come in different colors. And best of all, the kids can become squids. Go ahead, sing along: I’m a kid now, I’m a squid now.
King Boo takes a break from spooking Luigi to … throw Bob-ombs around his own haunted mansion? As long as he’s happy.
Mario Kart 8 introduced Bowser’s Koopa Kids to the world of kart racing, but left out Bowser Jr. So guess who’s back with his new-and-improved Koopa Clown Kart?
One of the most popular characters from previous Mario Kart games finally makes a comeback after being left for dead in the Wii U version. Welcome back, Dry Bones!
But don’t count Dry Bones’ daddy out. Dry Bowser also returns from the grave for some death-defying stunts on the race track.
Another guest character, Animal Crossing’s Isabelle—one of the cutest characters to ever appear in a Nintendo game—is putting her pedal to the metal. Aw, don’t you want to just pet her?
Also from Animal Crossing, the Villager looks ecstatic to be part of Mario Kart. Though he should really stay in his seat and watch where he’s going.
One of Mario’s most iconic power-ups, the Tanooki Suit from Super Mario Bros. 3, receives full representation in Deluxe.
The same goes for Super Mario 3D World’s Cat Peach, who is unbelievably cute as she spins around shaking her paws.
Finally, if you go for the gold on the fastest 200cc engine class, then you will literally get the gold — Gold Mario, that is.
The new and returning racers comprise a 42-character roster, the biggest in Mario Kart history. Who are you most excited to play as when Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches on April 28?
Sources: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Trailers
