Even though it’s barely been a month since its release as a Switch 2 launch title,Mario Kart World’s character outfits have already sparked rumors about Nintendo’s hidden plans for its new console. As the latest game in theMario Kartfranchise, the changesMario Kart Worldhas made to the series' formula and its traditions have undoubtedly been ambitious, ranging from its new open-world gameplay to its new rewind mechanic. However, the introduction of collectible outfits has prompted theories that future updates to thisMario Kart Worldcosmetic could be the key to revealing more about Nintendo’s next generation ofSuper Mariogames.
While it may be too early for discussions about major updates or DLC forMario Kart World, its predecessor,Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, has already set the precedent for post-launch content with new racers and courses. Additionally, Nintendo hasupdated games likeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateto promote new Switch releases, such asPokemon SwordandShield,Animal Crossing: New Horizons, andPaper Mario: The Origami King. As a result, players might now expect the same fromMario Kart Worldahead of future Switch 2 games, including those already confirmed, likeDonkey Kong Bananza,or those rumored to be in development.
Mario Kart World’s Character Outfits Could Be More Than Cosmetic
As a first for the series, the challenge of having twenty-four racers compete simultaneously inMario Kart World’s new Knockout Tour mode likely factored into the game’s larger pool of 50 playable characters. But while these characters ranged between returning classics and unexpected newcomers, just under half ofMario Kart World’s racers were given unlockable outfitsthat can be collected throughout the game. Yet the imbalance continues even among these fashion-forward characters, with some racers receiving up to eight or nine outfits while others are left with only one or two.
Though the simplest answer could be thatMario Kart World’s outfits focused on Nintendo’s most recognizable and popular characters, such as Mario and Yoshi, there could be additional context that suggests otherwise. For example, despiteDonkey Kong BananzaandMario Kart Worldlaunchingwithin a month of one another, it seems like an oversight that characters from both games, specifically Donkey Kong and Pauline, have received only one outfit each. This has led to players like Gardnerhartung on TikTok to share their theories thatMario Kart Worldcould potentially add more outfits to coincide with new Nintendo games.
Updates to Mario Kart World’s Outfits Could Cross-Promote New Games
SinceMario Kart Worldhas scaled back its racers to just those from theSuper Mariofranchise,Donkey Kong Bananzais the only evidence so far for this theory, even though something like the return ofMK 8 Deluxe’s Inklings could have coincided withSplatoon Raiders' announcement. However, if Donkey Kong and Pauline receive new outfits to promote the new game, then otherMario Kart Worldcharacters could receive the same treatment alongside future Switch 2 releases. Between characters with only a few outfits or none whatsoever, Nintendo’s plans forSuper Mariocould behidden withinMario Kart World’s prospective DLC.
For instance,Mario Kart Worldracers with ties to specificSuper Mariogames may intentionally have fewer outfits in preparation for potential sequels, such as the demand among players forLuigi’s Mansion 4orSuper Mario Galaxy 3.Moreover, additional outfits could also coincide with Nintendo projects currently in development, likea rumored 3DSuper Mariogameinspired by the franchise’s first movie or its sequel. While the list below provides several examples of characters who could receive outfits to promote new games,Mario Kart World’s post-launch updates could prove vital to both its longevity and Nintendo’s long-term strategy for the Switch 2.
