Despite the original version ofMario Kart 8being released in 2014, the game continues to receive consistent software updates in its Nintendo Switch iteration. In the most recent wave of updates, Nintendo has brought back classic courses from the franchise’s history, as well as iconicSuper Mario Broscharacters who were noticeably absent from the game’s roster.
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Across the many original courses inMario Kart 8and ones from previous entries in the franchise, there are many references to iconic locations from theMariofranchise. However, there are some quite important locations from theMarioseries that have yet to be represented throughMario Kartracetracks, including these memorable worlds.
10Bob-Omb Battlefield
One of the most recognizable locations from the 3DMariogames is Bob-Omb Battlefield, the first level ofSuper Mario 64. From the second fans hear the course’s bouncy music, they’re instantly transported totheir first experience of Mario in 3D. Even design-wise, the course seems perfect to be raced on by Mario and his friends.
Little would have to be redesigned of Bob-Omb Battlefield’s layout, with players starting at the beginning of the level, racing their way up past the Chain Chomp, and climbing the spiral mountain to confront King Bob-Omb. Perhaps the level could even include a nod to Koopa the Quick, who challenges Mario to a race in variousSuper Mario 64levels.
975m
TheMariofranchise began in 1981 withDonkey Kongfor arcades, which has becomean iconic installment in the franchise’s history. Its featured red construction platforms have been referenced throughout the franchise, not only in aSuper Smash Broslevel based on the 75m level but also in theMario vs. Donkey Kongseries of games on handheld consoles.
75m could be the perfect level to translate into aMario Kartcourse, as racers dodge falling barrels courtesy of an angry pixelated Donkey Kong at the course’s top. The level could even coincide with adding in Pauline, who appears as a playable racer in the mobile gameMario Kart Tour, but has yet to return inMario Kart 8 Deluxe.
8Rogueport
It’s surprising that, despite the popularity of thePaper Marioseries, a course representing the RPG series hasn’t appeared inMario Kartyet. The racing franchise has referenced otherMariospin-offs in their course roster, includingLuigi’s MansionandYoshi’s Island, so the beginning area fromPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Dooris a no-brainer.
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Though some elements of the starting level may have to be excluded from the family-friendly game, including the hangman’s noose in the town square, it’d be the perfect location to reference thePaper Mariofranchise. Plus, it would touch the nostalgia of many fans who grew up playingThe Thousand-Year Dooron the Nintendo GameCube.
7Pinna Park
The only representationSuper Mario Sunshinehas received in theMario Kartfranchise is Delfino Square, which appeared inMario Kart DSandMario Kart Wii. The level finds players racing in one of the more iconic areas ofSuper Mario Sunshine, Delfino Plaza, but it may not be the most energetic choice from the variety of courses in the GameCube title.
Particularly, one of the levels inSuper Mario Sunshineis Pinna Park, an amusement park filled with rollercoaster rides. It would make the perfect setting for a potentialMario Kartcourse, especially by referencingthe boss battle against Mecha-Bowserthat happens when players first unlock the area.
6Comet Observatory
If all the potentialMario Kartcourses fromSuper Mario Galaxyand its sequel,Super Mario Galaxy 2, were mentioned, readers would be here for quite a while. The Comet Observatory would be the most obvious choice, given that it’s the fascinating hub world thatMario can explore in-between levelsof the original Nintendo Wii title.
Putting aMario Kartracetrack in the middle of the Comet Observatory could feature a lot of cameos from throughout the level, including Captain Toad and the Toad Brigade, Lumas, and even Gearmo, the maid robots who appear in the 3DMariogames. Of course, this location also holds a lot of meaning for fans of Rosalina, who is a racer inMario Kart 8 Deluxe.
5Honeyhive Galaxy
Out of all the galaxies Mario explores in the originalSuper Mario Galaxy, Honeyhive Galaxy is perhaps the most iconic. As one of the earliest worlds Mario can explore in the game, it’s where players are introduced to the Bee Mushroom, which allows Mario to climb honeycomb walls and blend in among the bee-themed people, including Queen Bee.
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Queen Bee even appeared inMario Kart 7as a playable racer, and even though she hasn’t made her return yet toMario Kart 8 Deluxe, she could still find a place in the Nintendo Switch title by being featured in the Honeyhive Galaxy level. It would even be a great way to utilize the zero gravity mechanic introduced inMario Kart 8, with racers scaling honeycomb walls.
4Starship Mario
In a similar vein to the Comet Observatory, the Starship Mario is the sphere-shared hub world ofSuper Mario Galaxy 2. As such, it has a lot of the same reasonings behind including it as aMario Kartstage, especially with its possibility of cameos from Lubba, Star Bunnies, Jibberjays, and Whittles.
What Starship Mario offers also is an interior area to race in, with players able to enter the Engine Room that displays Mario’s discovered power-ups. This level could also take advantage ofthe unique power-ups available inSuper Mario Galaxy 2, including the Cloud Flower and Spin Drill, which can offer variety in how racers navigate the course.
3Diamond City
WarioWareis grossly underrepresented inMario Kart, despite Wario’s consistent presence as a playable racer. No other characters from the series have appeared,despite such great choices like Mona, 9-Volt, or Ashley. Though its vibrant hub, Diamond City, appeared in the arcade-exclusiveMario Kartgames, it has yet to appear in a mainlineMario Kart.
In potential Diamond City courses, racers could pass by significant locations from theWarioWarefranchise, including Club Sugar, Dr. Crygor’s Lab, and Mona Pizza. Of course, the level could also more specifically take place in the WarioWare, Inc. building where Wario produces his microgames and runs his business.
2Really Rolling Hills
Super Mario 3D Worldwas released on the Wii U in 2013 and has remained a relevant installment in the franchise after its rerelease on Nintendo Switch in 2021. Out of the many unique levels throughout the game’s Sprixie Kingdom, one that stands out to many fans is Really Rolling Hills, which appeared in one of the game’s first trailers.
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The level has many aspects that would make for a uniqueMario Kartcourse, including its titular spinning hills. The clear pipes that makeSuper Mario 3D Worlda unique entry in the franchise would be an interesting gimmick. Another alteration on the level could reference the later level in the game, Night Falls on Really Rolling Hills.
1Tostarena
Super Mario Odysseyisthe most recent original 3DMariogameand features many of the most unique settings the franchise has had to date. While New Donk City got its representation inSuper Smash Bros Ultimatefor Switch, perhapsMario Kart 8 Deluxecould benefit from showcasing the other open-world level, Tostarena, of the Sand Kingdom.
While the level could start in the vibrant, Mesoamerican-inspired town of Tostarena, racers could later find themselves navigating a course that takes them up the Inverted Pyramid. This could also be a good reason for Nintendo to add a kart or bike inspired by the Jaxis, a Sphinx-like animal that Mario can ride across the desert in the Switch game.
