Sadly, Mario can’t invite everyone to the joys of the best kart racing game, and there have been many of the bestMario Kartcharacters that have been left out of the karts, and on the sidelines, especially when it comes toMario Kart8.
RELATED:Nintendo Characters Who Could Join The Race In Mario Kart
As the mainlineMario Kartracer,Mario Kart8has been at the front and center of Mario’s karting adventures for almost a decade. Although new maps have come toMario Kart8, there remain some iconic characters that have yet to get behind the wheel and join the friendly competition.
7Funky Kong
One of the coolest dudes in theMariofranchise, Funky Kong loves to surf, and joins theMario Kartfranchise withMario KartWii. This title saw Funky Kong enjoythe thrills of racing, laughing, and shouting at the enjoyable stunts he could pull off at exhilarating speeds.
Despite the impressions that fans had with Funky Kong, the character has yet to be seen sinceMario KartWii. Many players are desperate to see the easygoing surfer Kong return to the racing genre, and players still hold out hope forMario Kart8.
6Diddy Kong
The best friend and sidekick to Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong has proved himself time and time again as a staying power. Wearing his iconic Nintendo red cap, Diddy Kong can be seen behind the wheel, even if it is questionable if he is legally allowed to own a driving license due to his age.
RELATED:Games That Are Easy To Get Into
Diddy Kong is a veteran of the racing genre. From his own game,Diddy Kong Racing, to theMario Kartfranchise. Despite featuring in multipleMario Kartgames, he has not returned toMario Kart8, which devastates the biggest Diddy-heads.
5Donkey Kong Jr.
Donkey Kong Jr. has perhaps been left behind in the obscurity of the old Mario lore. The character debuted in his titular game,Donkey Kong Jr., where he rescues the original Donkey Kong from Mario. Donkey Kong Jr. is noted for his tank top with a bright red J on it. He always seems young, and never ages, and featured in the firstSuperMario Kartgame.
As the son of Cranky Kong, it’s weird that Donkey Kong Jr. has been left behind. Perhaps one day Nintendo will remember that he exists, but it’s safe to say that he’s been left to tend to his father, whilst the new Donkey Kongtakes the wheel.
4Honey Queen
Perhaps the oddest racer to feature in theMario Kartgames is the Honey Queen. Fans were surprised and confused as to why Honey Queen was chosen as a playable character inMario Kart7. It’s safe to say that this is a character that fans are rather happy that has not returned to the series for a few reasons.
RELATED:Every Mario Kart Game, Ranked
Firstly, Honey Queen was a minor character inSuper Mario Galaxy, and her design is a tad on the odd side of things and doesn’t seem right compared tothe increasing and exciting rosterof theMario Kartgames.
3Wiggler
Wiggler may be a species of caterpillar in theMariofranchise that walks back and forth, angrily running around on their multiple feet if they are jumped on. However, Wiggler seemed to develop some talents outside of walking back and forth, and joinedMario Kart:Double Dash!!As a new racer.
Wiggler was an exciting character forMario Kartbecause they would get so aggressive if they werehit by items and weapons. Wiggler probably shouldn’t come back for another go behind the wheel, considering their anger issues, but they are, thanks to theMario Kart 8Booster Course later this year.
2R.O.B.
The Robotic Operating Buddy is more well-known for his time inMario Kartthan he is as an NES accessory. R.O.B. was a guest character inMario KartDSand used his technology to better enhance his abilities when it comes todriving behind the wheel.
R.O.B. stayed put inMario KartDS and has not returned. Although the character has had some staying power in theMariofranchise thanks to his fighting capabilities inSuper Smash Bros., it seems that Mario is holding a grudge against this skilled fighter, as he has yet to return to theMario Kartfranchise.
1Petey Piranha
Piranha Plants are a hostile threat in theMariogames, existing in pots or green pipes to bite and spit fire at Mario and his allies. Despite the aggressive nature of the Piranha Plants and the humanoid version of them with Petey Piranha, it hasn’t stopped Mario from allowing Petey to drive stick, and compete in friendly tournaments. Petey Piranha raced in a fewMario Karttitles, even if outside the Kart games he remains a boss fight.
Hopefully, Petey Piranhadoesn’t hold too much of a grudgeagainst Mario, as the red hat plumber has bested him in multiple boss fights. Petey is the leader of the Piranha Plants, so he must have left someone else in charge whilst he returns forMario Kart 8’s Booster Course Wave 5.
MORE:Best Nintendo Switch Games For Kids And Parents To Play Together
