10 Forgotten Nintendo Characters That Should Join Mario Kart 9

The evolution of the Mario Kart series remains ongoing, sparking excitement among fans for new characters to join the legendary racer lineup. With the rumored release of Nintendo Switch 2 and a sneak peek at the upcoming Mario Kart, there are numerous characters from past Nintendo games that could perfectly complement Mario Kart 9. Some of these characters have been long-forgotten, while others have only appeared in a limited number of titles. Including characters from forgotten series and those previously overlooked is not just a refreshing way to revitalize the franchise but also an opportunity for fans to discover new games and characters they might not be familiar with.

Here are 10 forgotten characters Nintendo should add to Mario Kart 2 on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Paper Mario

In my opinion, Metal Mario may be popular, but I firmly believe that Paper Mario is the superior version of our beloved character. It’s high time that Paper Mario made an appearance in the upcoming game, Mario Kart 9. For a long while, Paper Mario was Nintendo’s main RPG series until the release of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, but it has finally received the focus it deserved with the remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. This seems like the perfect moment for Paper Mario to join in on the fun of Mario Kart.

It seems logical that Paper Mario should be a lighter character given his paper construction, providing an interesting contrast to Mario’s medium weight and Metal Mario’s heaviness. Nintendo might consider adopting a kart design from recent Paper Mario games such as “Paper Mario: Color Splash” or “Paper Mario: The Origami King”. However, there is just one suitable track option. Rogue Port, a well-known location in the series, could be adapted into a course for “Mario Kart 9”. The designers might even incorporate both the surface and underground areas of this location to make the track more engaging.

Toadsworth

In numerous Nintendo games, Toadsworth often finds himself relegated to supporting roles. However, it’s high time he takes center stage, perhaps in the upcoming Mario Kart 9. While Toadsworth did make an appearance in Mario Kart: Double Dash, his role was limited to a cinematic trophy award scene where he drove the player on a victory lap. The absence of Toadsworth in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe leaves room for him to be included in the next installment, as characters like Toad and Toadette currently dominate the game.

It’s more fitting for Toadsworth to compete in the same weight class as Toad and Toadette, given their similarities. A regal kart with a mushroom motif might suit Toadsworth best, or Nintendo could design a Parade Kart variant as a nod to his past appearances in Mario Kart: Double Dash. Princess Peach’s Castle could serve as an ideal racing location for Toadsworth, given his position as her steward.

Geno

Geno, a beloved character hailing from the game “Super Mario RPG”, could potentially make an appearance in the upcoming “Mario Kart 9”. Given the recent remake of “Super Mario RPG”, it seems there’s a possibility that this puppet character may find a spot on the racetrack alongside Mario. With his vibrant personality and striking design, Geno would undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to the race.

Geno can potentially be classified as either a lightweight or middleweight character in Super Mario RPG, but given his physical appearance, rudimentary design, and game stats, he appears to align more with the middleweight category. To stay true to Geno’s story within Super Mario RPG, Nintendo could opt for a shooting star or star piece as his kart, blending elements from Rose Town and Forest Maze levels to create his unique course.

Cackletta

If Paper Mario should be included in the lineup for Mario Kart 9, then it’s crucial that Nintendo recognizes the significance of its competing series, Mario & Luigi. An ideal addition would be Cackletta, the initial antagonist from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. Not only is she from the inaugural game, but her unique and memorable appearance makes her stand out. The inclusion of Cackletta, also known as Beanwitch, would expand the villain roster in the Mario Kart series, which could benefit from more antagonists.

In the world of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Cackletta could suit either a middleweight or heavyweight character role, but the middleweight role appears more fitting due to the abundance of heavyweight villains already present. Nintendo has a wealth of designs within the series to select from, and they might opt for something connected to Beans or even Cackletta’s possessed Bowser form. A track that highlights the iconic landmarks of the Bean Kingdom would also be an excellent way to connect the Mario & Luigi series with this popular game.

E. Gadd

Professor E. Gadd, famously recognized from Luigi’s Mansion, has made appearances in other series as well. He is the inventor of Luigi’s Poltergust machines, and his engaging personality would fit nicely in Mario Kart 9. Given his significant role in Luigi’s Mansion, it’s high time Professor E. Gadd receives more recognition, and Mario Kart 9 could be an ideal platform for that.

It’s recommended that Nintendo considers making E. Gadd as either a lighter or medium-weight character, with the medium weight being more suitable. His kart could resemble a Poltergust vacuum, and there are various options to choose from. Although Luigi has the haunted mansion theme, E. Gadd could coexist with this or have a track inspired by his lab. Incorporating Slippy Gooigi into the course would be a fun Easter egg for fans of Luigi’s Mansion.

King Wart

Few players of the popular game, Mario Kart, are likely familiar with King Wart due to his limited appearances and general obscurity. However, this makes him an ideal candidate for a comeback, as the release of Mario Kart 9 could potentially reach a vast number of new players. First introduced in Super Mario Bros. 2, King Wart has been largely absent from the scene since then. His most recent outing was as a spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate; however, his addition to Mario Kart 9 would be an excellent opportunity to reintroduce this toad-like king to fans once more.

King Koopa, or King Wart as you may know him, would make an excellent addition to the heavyweight villain lineup. Although his background isn’t richly developed, it could be intriguing if he rode a kart modeled after the dream machine. For King Wart, this would certainly fit his character. As for the course, a track based in Subcon (formerly known as Muu, the World of Dreams) would be ideal. In Mario Kart 9, Nintendo could modernize and enhance this classic location with a 3D makeover to bring it to life in an exciting new way.

Tatanga

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always felt that some lesser-known characters from the Mario universe deserve a comeback. One such character is Tatanga, a villain who, like King Wart, could use a second chance in the spotlight. If Nintendo decides to create Mario Kart 9, it would be an excellent opportunity for fans to encounter this forgotten foe they might not even know existed.

Tatanga is a fascinating character with a unique design and an alien background that sets him apart from other characters in the series. Although he’s made only a few appearances across Nintendo games, I believe that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 would be the perfect platform to reintroduce this intriguing villain to gamers worldwide.

In terms of weight classification for the character Tatanga in Mario Kart 9, he could either be lightweight or middleweight, but his appearance in Game Boy comics might allow him to be classified as heavyweight. The spaceship from Super Mario Land is an ideal design for his kart. Regarding the course, Nintendo has a wide range of options since Tatanga hails from an unspecified planet; they could introduce this alien world and give it a name after long deliberation.

King Bob-omb

Among the memorable antagonists from Super Mario 64, there’s King Bob-omb, who unfortunately doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. With the upcoming release of Mario Kart 9, this could be an excellent opportunity to change that. Including him as a racer would not only enrich the game but also broaden the roster of villainous characters. King Bob-omb, along with King Boo and Petey Piranha, could form an interesting lineup of bosses representing various species in the Mario universe.

It’s clear that if King Bob-omb were included in the game, he would be a formidable heavyweight character. Thus, it seems likely that Mario Kart 9 will introduce another heavyweight villain. The Bob-omb Cannon could be an ideal kart for King Bob-omb, harkening back to the days of Super Mario 64. Additionally, using Bob-omb Battlefield as King Bob-omb’s course makes perfect sense. Nintendo may choose to stay true to its original N64 graphics or give it a modern HD makeover to mark King Bob-omb’s appearance in Mario Kart 9.

Goomba

It’s quite unusual, but one character often overlooked from Mario’s past is Goomba. Typically, he’s portrayed as a comical antagonist and defeated effortlessly. Characters such as Koopa, Dry Bones, Boo, and others have been incorporated into racers. Considering his lack of arms doesn’t necessarily exclude him from joining the race in Mario Kart 9. In fact, Nintendo could go the extra mile by providing Goomba with alternate skins inspired by Goombario and Goombella.

It’s clear that Goomba should be designed as a lightweight character due to its simple appearance. There isn’t a specific kart design that immediately comes to mind when considering Goomba, leaving plenty of room for creativity. A mouth-operated feature could add a humorous touch. In terms of the course, since Goombas appear in almost every Mario game across numerous levels and worlds, Nintendo has ample freedom in choosing the course design.

Pak E. Derm

As a gamer, I fondly remember Pak E. Derm from the visually distinctive game, “Yoshi’s Story.” For those who aren’t familiar, Pak E. Derm is the elephant that blocks Yoshi’s path with a stop sign. Although his role in the game was minor, he left an indelible mark on my childhood gaming experiences. It would be wonderful if Pak E. Derm made an appearance in a future “Mario Kart 9,” considering the recent Yoshi-themed track added to the DLC of “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Given his limited screen time, it seems that Pak E. Derm is destined to be a significant character. A kart designed in the style of a storybook from “Yoshi’s Story” would suit him perfectly, and if Nintendo includes his distinctive symbol, it would make for an even better fit. With more Yoshi-themed courses always being welcome in Mario Kart, it’s high time that Mario Kart 9 introduces a course inspired by “Yoshi’s Story” for Pak E. Derm.

In a Mario world brimming with games and characters, there’s certainly room for expansion in Mario Kart 9, with plenty more options beyond the characters already at hand. Here’s to hoping some exciting new faces will join Mario and his pals in the next installment of Mario Kart 9.

2025-01-18 07:11