Ever since its release, Mario Kart has been everyone’s favorite karting game. Even after three decades, Nintendo Switch’s Mario Kart is going strong. Rev up your engines and be ready for a wild ride through the Mushroom Kingdom! From the fearless Mario to the mischievous Bowser, the iconic Mario Kart characters bring unique personalities and special abilities to the racetrack.
Whether you’re dodging bananas or blasting through Rainbow Road, each character offers a distinct gameplay experience that keeps fans coming back for more. Buckle up as we dive into the thrilling world of Mario Kart Deluxe 8 characters and discover what makes each racer a true legend on the track!
Best Mario Kart Characters
Mario Kart Deluxe 8 has added more than 40 playable characters, making sure we stick around it till the end. According to the latest update released on May 11, 2024, Mario Kart has a total of 48 characters.
The below list will share the best of the best options.
Mario
Starting our list with the iconic Mario character that keeps us around his fingers. This red-cap plumber isn’t just a well-balanced racer but also the best option for all levels. Mario made his first appearance in 1985 in Super Mario Bros. Ever since his release, Mario has made the world his fan.
This middleweight racer has well-balanced stats. The best part about Mario is its effective performance regardless of the vehicle you put him in. Beginners can rely on him to learn the ropes. While veterans can maintain the lead consistency, owing to his average acceleration and medium jumps.
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Luigi
A lot of people consider Luigi as another version of Mario, little do they know he is Mario’s younger fraternal twin brother. Moreover, Luigi is a solid pick if you are struggling to master effective turning. Like his elder twin brother Mario, Luigi made his first appearance in 1985 in Super Mario Bros.
This green cap plumber is the idyllic choice for driving a kart with superior handling. Like Mario, Luigi is a middle-weight racer. Both brothers share almost the same stats, yet Luigi is slightly better in traction. If you can handle turns like a pro, you need to graduate from Mario.
Princess Daisy
Princess Daisy, the elegant yet spirited ruler of Sarasland brings her infectious energy and competitive edge to Mario Kart’s racing tracks. Daisy didn’t just get a beautiful face but also the spirit to leave her competitors in the dust. Princess Daisy finds herself nabbed by the tyrannical alien Tatanga in 1989.
Officially, Daisy joined the racing karting tracks in 2003. She took a little longer, yet ensured her first appearance was a lasting one. This middle-weight kart racer has balanced stats, making her the best option for veterans and novice players. You can tune her up with pretty much anything according to your playstyle.
Princess Peach
Like Mario got the back of his twin brother, Princess Daisy also has her sister’s support, Peach. Princess Peach is the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom. She is glamorous, fearless, and always ready to take the wheel. Secondly, don’t underestimate her signature pink attire, her fierce competitive spirit makes her the iconic character of Mario Kart.
Along with Mario and Luigi, Princess Peach debuted in 1985. Despite being the middle-weight kart racer, Peach has slightly above-floating abilities when she hits. She can be a tough choice for newcomers, but a perfect course when mastered the perfect dodging and driving. Princess Peach shows you that royal elegance and racing prowess make for an unbeatable combination!
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Toad
Small in size, but Toad has a big heart. With his trademark blue vest and ever-optimistic attitude, Toad knows how to outpace the competitors. He is a loyal follower of Princess Peach whom you can’t underestimate. Along with his princess, Toad makes his first appearance in 1985, often spotted telling Mario where his princess is.
Toad is the go-to kart racer for those who crave precision and speed. His lightning-fast moves and infectious energy ensure he remains one of the best Mario Kart characters. If you want to be a real menace, rely on Toad. Moreover, his tight maneuverability and extremely high acceleration make him the first pick for the all-class kart racers.
Toadette
Bubbly, bright, and bursting with energy, Toadette is an eternally smiling Toad’s female counterpart. Her infectious enthusiasm and signature pink pigtails bring nothing but happy vibes. Known for her quick acceleration and excellent handling, she navigates tracks with precision and ease. Toadette sealed a place in our hearts back in 2002, with the launch of Mario Party 4.
Like her counterpart Toad, Toadette has some zippy moves, owing to her lightweight character. One point that Toadetter misses the most is her vulnerability to crashes from her heavier opponents. Yet, her solid handling and acceleration keep her out of harm’s approach. Gear up for an exhilarating adventure as Toadette takes the lead and spreads joy.
Yoshi
Yoshi is a swift and lovable kart racer, well known for his dino-mite adventure. Moreover, Yoshi is one of the favorite Mario Kart characters if you want to score easily. His first appearance originally was in 1985 before he started riding his own kart in 1992. Yoshi is the perfect combo of Toad’s incredibly high acceleration and Princess Peach’s flutter.
If you want to dodge obstacles and nail fast and tight turns, Yoshi is just perfect for you. Sometimes, he struggles when bumped by heavier foes, owing to his lightweight, but his agility and speed make it easy for him to navigate.
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Donkey Kong
Hop on and join Donkey Kong for a thrilling ride through the Mushroom Kingdom. Big-time banana lover, Donkey Kong is one of the most fun Mario Kart characters. Additionally, unlike other characters, he made his first appearance in his own gaming arcade, Donkey Kong in 1981. Yet, his first appearance in Mario Kart karting tracks was in 1996.
Donkey Kong is the barrel-busting powerhouse of Mushroom Kingdom. His fearless attitude and immense strength bring raw speed and power to the tracks. We can’t help but appreciate his ability to plow through obstacles and top-notch acceleration. Whether he’s navigating tight turns or thundering down straights, Donkey Kong’s wild energy and competitive spirit make him an exhilarating choice for any racer.
Bowser
The formidable king of Koopas, Bowser is a fearsome kart racer. Oh, what a grand appearance he made in 1985 in Super Mario Bros. First appearing as Princesses’ kidnapper, Bowser has been terrorizing the karting tracks since 1992. His intimidating appearance and unparalleled power keep everyone around the loop.
You must have guessed that this lizard-like monster is heavy-weight, and an excellent pick for all levels of gamers. His slow acceleration mode might fool you but don’t underestimate his top-notch top-speed mode. Whether he’s crushing through obstacles or roaring down the Rainbow Road, his unyielding determination and sheer force make him a commanding and thrilling option for kart racers.
Bowser Jr.
Bowser ensured he was not alone in the league so introduced his son. He made his first appearance in 2002 in Mario Sunshine. Not only did he introduce himself but also kidnapped “Princess Peach” and often referred to her as “Mama Peach.” However, he debuted on the karting tracks in 2003.
He has a low center of gravity and is lightweight. If you have solid control over tight turns and corners, Bowser Jr. is just picture-perfect. He dominates the competition, knocking his opponent out and excelling at top speed. Jr. often has trouble dealing with heavy opponents. Yet, his high-acceleration kart makes up for the flaw.
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Wario
Wario is Mario’s yin to my yang. He is one of the craziest Mario Kart Characters. His personality is a terror in the Mushroom Kingdom. From making his first appearance in 1992 to owning the karting tracks in 1996, Wario knows how to turn the heads to himself. Like Mario’s majority of foes, Wario is heavyweight, specializing in knocking opponents off the tracks.
It means if you try to outpace Wario, you will be bumped off the karting tracks. His high resilience makes him the perfect match for players eager to smash through obstacles and opponents. You will be in awe after checking his versatile stats. Ideally, Wario can slot into any kart, just ensure his hunger for speed is satisfied.
Shy Guy
Oh, who doesn’t know Mario’s masked baddy? Shy Guy is undoubtedly the most introverted character of Mario Kart League, but once you put him behind the wheel, he shows what he has. Shy Guy joined the Mario Bros. Universe in 1986, yet left our jaws wide open with his karting skills in 2001.
This lightweight karting racer has incredible control over high handling and acceleration, making him stay ahead where turns are concerned. Yet, he sometimes struggles with straight lines, owing to his low top speed. While beginners can have trouble with Shy Guy, balancing his stats with the right kit will do wonders.
Waluigi
Luigi couldn’t sit behind from having his yin to his yang. You can consider Waluigi as a lanky counterpart of Wario. Waluigi gave us a sneak peek about his character in 2000, yet his karting career officially started in 2003. Unlike his beefier brother, Waluigi is a lightweight kart racer and can go toe-to-toe with the other lightweight racers.
If you have been annoyingly zippy on the karting tracks. Waluigi is just for you. His high acceleration can be a headache for competitors to deal with. Oh, what wonder he does when paired up with acceleration-increasing or top-notch speed karts. Waluigi not only blows away the mind but also tracks.
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King Boo
You might underestimate the King of Scares by his shy demeanor, but he is such a fierce kart racer on the track. First appeared as Luigi’s villain in Luigi’s Mansion in 2001, King Boo is ruling the racing tracks since 2003. King Boo is the finest heavyweight kart racer option for players who enjoy smashing into obstacles and opponents.
King Boo takes up more space but ensures the karting experience is ever-lasting. His acceleration range is average, owing to his heavy weight. Though he got low acceleration, his excellent handling is no joke. His balanced stats let him pair up with most karts and become the most wanted and formidable foe.
Lakitu
How can we miss mention the most lovely and legendary host and referee, Lakitu? Lakitu has been a part of the Mushroom Kingdom since day one. From 1985 till now, he has transformed into an icon. But, oh, what a great start to take in 2011 for his karting career.
Being a member of lightweight kart racers, Lakitu got his hands on solid acceleration and top-notch speed. But, he can get bumped off the tracks even by middleweight racers. Pairing Lakitu with a top-notch kit will level up the game; particularly on the clouds.
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Bottom Line!
The list doesn’t end here! Mario Kart Deluxe 8 offers exclusively more than 48 characters. Each one is unique based on the quality they possess. Among the mentioned Mario Kart characters, which one is your favorite? Don’t forget to let us know in the comment section! The experience awaits you!
Get set ready to rev up your engines!
FAQs
Is Princess Daisy Luigi’s girlfriend?
Yes, Princess Daisy and Luigi are one of the most loved couples in the Mario Kart universe. Similarly, Princess Peach is Mario’s love interest.
Who is the fastest Mario Kart Character?
Undoubtedly, Wario is the fastest character in Mario Kart. His high traction, acceleration, and handling are simply out of the world.
Who is the lightest character in Mario Kart?
Baby Mario is possibly the lightest Mario Kart character. This character knows how to outpace competitors with his top-notch speed and acceleration. Pairing him up with the right kit will do wonders.
Who is the heaviest character in Mario Kart?
Donkey Kong, Wario, King Boo, Bowser, and Waluigi are one of the heaviest Mario Kart characters. They are master at knocking obstacles and opponents off the track.
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