5 Epic Nintendo Crossovers Mario Kart World Absolutely Needs to Blow Your Mind

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The open-world game titled Mario Kart World has already demonstrated its impressive stature within the series with new modes, features, and a vast character roster. Yet, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be a strong contender for the best Mario Kart game, thanks to its unique crossovers. Featuring karts, courses, and racers from F-Zero, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racing enthusiast’s dream for Nintendo fans. Regrettably, there’s no hint yet that Mario Kart World will offer the same crossovers. However, it’s plausible that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s crossovers came from downloadable content (DLC), and we might expect similar DLC on the Nintendo Switch 2 for Mario Kart World.

It’s clear we’d be thrilled if all past collaborations returned, but with Nintendo boasting such a vast array of franchises, there are plenty more opportunities for fresh crossovers. Mario Kart World marks the first new installment in over a decade, and while it already looks promising, incorporating additional crossover characters, karts, and tracks could elevate it even further. With its launch on Nintendo Switch 2 scheduled for June 5th, here are five crossovers we believe Mario Kart World should consider.

Metroid

The popularity of the Metroid series has surged again due to the Nintendo Switch. With a fresh installment, a remake, and an upcoming game titled “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond“, it would be ideal to incorporate it in “Mario Kart World“. Given that Rainbow Road hints at space being not off-limits for “Mario Kart World“, the Metroid series offers a variety of possibilities for what content could be included.

Samus is the top pick for a character, yet Ridley could also work well, given the amusing imagery of the space pirate getting squashed in a small go-kart. As for Samus’ vehicle, her ship is an obvious choice, but there are many possibilities when it comes to tracks. A track modeled after Chozo Ruins seems fitting, though Nintendo has several iconic Metroid locations to choose from. Lastly, if Nintendo introduces crossover items into the Mario Kart universe, a Metroid-themed item would be an exciting and fearsome addition.

Star Fox

The Star Fox series could greatly benefit from more attention, and incorporating crossover elements into the Mario Kart universe might be an effective first step. The latest addition to the Star Fox series, Star Fox Zero, was launched nearly a decade ago on the Wii U, leaving Fox McCloud rather underutilized beyond Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Similar to Metroid, another space-themed adventure could present exciting opportunities for new tracks post-Rainbow Road, offering numerous possibilities.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve always admired Fox as the leading star in Star Fox. However, it would be thrilling to see his teammates, Falco, Peppy, or Slippy, take turns in the spotlight too! When it comes to vehicles for a crossover, the Arwing is undeniably the logical choice. Yet, the Landmaster or Great Fox could also make impressive appearances. The most electrifying prospect, though, lies in the course design. Imagine a racetrack that weaves through the Lylat System amidst a raging space battle! That’s not all; Nintendo could add an extra layer of challenge by incorporating Andross as a hazard on the track, adding unpredictability and excitement to the race!

Kirby

Among Nintendo’s characters, few are as adorable as Kirby. Despite the fact that he’ll soon be speeding through skies in the upcoming “Kirby Air Riders” on the Nintendo Switch 2, it wouldn’t hurt for him to rev up his engine in “Mario Kart World” too. In fact, adding Kirby to this game would make perfect sense, and Dream Land would serve as a fantastic setting for an exciting and scenic racetrack.

Choices for racers in this game could include Kirby, King Dedede, Waddle Dee, or Meta Knight. Kirby’s star or the Great Halberd would make excellent vehicles, and it would be amusing to see Kirby’s star as a vehicle and use the star item for added fun. The setting should ideally be Dream Land, which is the most recognizable location in the Kirby series, allowing Nintendo to create a surreal atmosphere within the “Mario Kart World”.

Pikmin

Recently, the Pikmin series has seen a surge in popularity due to remakes and the release of Pikmin 4 on the Nintendo Switch. Although no new titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 have been announced yet, it’s possible that Olimar could still make an appearance in Mario Kart World. Despite his small size, Nintendo has shown time and again their ability to adapt characters into other games, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Nintendo might opt for Olimar or Alph to race, with Olimar being a more fitting choice due to his significance within the series. For a kart crossover, Olimar’s ship is the logical choice, but incorporating Oatchi would bring some humor and cuteness. With Pikmin, Nintendo has several options for courses since the series revolves around them. Whether it’s a backyard, a house, an underground cave, or another unique setting, Nintendo can showcase its creativity when designing a Pikmin track.

Fire Emblem

In a somewhat unexpected move, it’s argued that Link from Fire Emblem could make a fitting addition to the Mario Kart universe due to his more relatable human-like persona. The Fire Emblem series has experienced significant popularity within the Nintendo community, with numerous titles launched on the Nintendo Switch and anticipation for more on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Introducing Fire Emblem elements into Mario Kart World could serve as an effective means of exposing the series to a broader audience. However, it’s important to consider that adding a Fire Emblem character might lead to an overabundance of sword-wielding characters within the game.

Among many options, characters like Marth, Lyn, Corrin, Robin, Chrom, Lucina, Byleth, or Alear are popular picks when it comes to racers in the world of Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series. With recent titles showcasing Byleth and Alear, it remains uncertain whether a new character will be introduced or a classic one will make a return. As for the choice of vehicle, options such as a horse, wyvern, or pegasus seem fitting within this universe. The track design could vary widely, but one that features warring armies and a grand castle seems most in line with the Fire Emblem theme.

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2025-04-18 19:18