
The highly anticipated new installment in the Mario Kart series, Mario Kart World, has officially launched for the Nintendo Switch 2. This title is already garnering attention as the “day-one killer app”for the console, thanks to its exceptional soundtrack, diverse character lineup, and engaging gameplay mechanics.
One of the standout features of Mario Kart World is its character selection, which is the most extensive in the franchise’s history. Players can race as a total of 50 characters—24 beloved mainstays from the Super Mario universe and 26 charming NPCs. While Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts that “everybody’s here, ”Mario Kart World is soon to challenge that claim.
However, not all characters are accessible right from the start. Players must unlock many through gameplay progression, adding to the excitement and incentive to explore.
Character Roster: Meet Your Racers!

Upon starting Mario Kart World, gamers can select from 17 main characters and 15 NPC characters. Here’s what’s available right off the bat:
Main Characters
Mario |
Luigi |
Peach |
Yoshi |
Bowser |
Toad |
Toadette |
Cave Troop |
Wario |
Waluigi |
Baby Mario |
Baby Luigi |
Baby Peach |
Baby Daisy |
Baby Rosalina |
Pauline |
Shy Guy |
NPC Characters
Cheep Cheep |
Cow |
Dry Bones |
Goomba |
Hammer Bridge |
Monty Mole |
Nabbit |
Para-Biddybud |
Penguin |
Piranha Plant |
Pokey |
Side steps |
Snowman |
Stingby |
Wiggler |
Unlocking Main Characters

In Mario Kart World, players can look forward to unlocking a total of seven main characters. Fortunately, the unlocking process is straightforward: complete races to earn new characters.
Note: Players should participate in traditional races rather than free roam to achieve character unlocks.
Character |
Unlock Method |
Donkey Kong |
Finish the Mushroom Cup |
Daisy |
Finish the Flower Cup |
Rosalina |
Finish the Star Cup |
Lakitu |
Finish the Shell Cup |
Bird |
Finish the Banana Cup |
King Boo |
Finish the Leaf Cup |
Bowser Jr. |
Finish the Lightning Cup |
Unlocking NPC Characters

Unlocking the playable NPC characters in Mario Kart World adds an exciting layer of surprise. While characters like the Cow are already fan favorites, others such as Coin Coffer, Conkdor, and Peepa await your discovery.
Acquiring the 12 unlockable NPC characters is somewhat more challenging than the main characters, as it relies on the random nature of the game mechanics.
During races, players may encounter the Kamek item, which summons Kamek to transform racers into specific characters based on the track. Kamek will also introduce obstacles, adding further complexity to the races.
Note: Some NPC characters can be unlocked on multiple courses. To streamline the unlocking process, you can set up a versus race with a friend—one player drives, while the other focuses on collecting items until a Kamek item appears.
Character |
Unlock Method |
Cataquack |
Kamek Transformation on Peach Beach |
Chargin’ Chuck |
Kamek Transformation on Peach Beach |
Coin Coffer |
Kamek Transformation on Whistletop Summit |
Conkdor |
Kamek Transformation on Faraway Oasis |
Dolphin |
Kamek Transformation on Koopa Troopa Beach |
Fish Bone |
Kamek Transformation on Dry Bones Burnout to Toad’s Factory |
Peep |
Kamek Transformation on Boo Cinema |
Plant |
Kamek Transformation on Koopa Troopa Beach to Crown City |
Rocky Wrench |
Kamek Transformation on Airship Fortress |
Spike |
Kamek Transformation on Boo Cinema |
Swoop |
Kamek Transformation on Dandelion Depths |
For further information on unlocking every character in Mario Kart World, visit the full guide.
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