Highlights

  • Despite its immense popularity, Mario Kart 8 experienced a slight decline in sales last fall, missing the top 20 bestseller list for the first time.
  • Fans of the game were disappointed with the absence of a collaboration DLC with Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which could have been a successful way to engage both communities.
  • The game features a relatively low number of playable characters, and the inclusion of Prince Florian from Super Mario Bros. Wonder would have been a welcomed addition, potentially gaining popularity akin to Toad.

It's no secret that Mario Kart 8 is one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 65 million units sold as of 2024. However, after dominating the charts as the fastest-selling Mario Kart, sales of the critically acclaimed Mario Kart 8 dipped slightly last fall, missing the top 20 bestseller list for the first time. Interestingly, considering that another popular Mario franchise launched a new title around the same time, it seems that Nintendo missed out on a perfect DLC opportunity.

Despite Super Mario Bros. Wonder's record-breaking debut in October 2023, a collaboration DLC for Mario Kart 8 was noticeably absent. Given the immense popularity of both games, this could have been the perfect way to engage the two communities. Leveraging Super Mario Bros. Wonder's popularity could have been a recipe for success, especially since Mario Kart 8's final DLC update was released in November.

How Super Mario Bros. Wonder's Multiplayer Could Fit Into the Mario Spin-Off Franchises
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One Character Would've Been Perfect For Mario Kart 8's Sixth Wave

Prince Florian Mario Kart Idea

Prince Florian Should Have Been The Ninth DLC Character

Regrettably for Mario Kart 8 enthusiasts, the game's sixth and final wave debuted last year. While it included eight new tracks and an array of playable characters, such as Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette, it was sadly lacking in Super Mario Bros. Wonder content. Without a doubt, the Wigger-like ruler of the Flower Kingdom would have been an excellent playable character for the kart-racing game.

As of 2024, there are 42 playable characters in Mario Kart 8, not including the eight DLC characters in the Booster Course Pass. Disappointingly, the game features a relatively low number of characters that aren't considered mainstay companions. The only personalities that might fall into this category are Luigi and Yoshi, though Luigi's classification is up for debate. Even with this in mind, long-awaited characters such as Cappy, F.L.U.D.D, and Lubby still haven't made their way to the game.

Still, Nintendo had the opportunity to address this issue with the last wave of Mario Kart 8's DLC. It would have been thrilling to have Prince Florian as a playable character and a kart themed around the Flower Kingdom. His glider could have mimicked his iconic orange flower crown. Furthermore, considering that Prince Florian exclaims in Super Mario Bros. Wonder that "someday [he'll] be the fastest caterpillar anywhere," his inclusion in the Mario Kart franchise would have made perfect sense.

Prince Florian Could Be The Next Generation's Toad

Captain Toad racing in a minecart in Mario Kart Tour

Luckily, even though Mario Kart 8's chapter has been closed, there remains a possibility for the little caterpillar to make an appearance in future installments. This could include Mario Kart 9, or even other franchises like Mario Party or Mario sports games. For now, it could be that Nintendo wants to develop Prince Florian more before making him and the Flower Kingdom recurring elements in the franchise.

If Prince Florian were to make more frequent appearances in games, there's a good chance he could gain popularity akin to Toad in the years to come. With his beady eyes, lime-colored skin, and uplifting personality, the sky is the limit for the prince of the Poplins and Talking Flowers. Hopefully, Super Mario Bros. Wonder can break the trend of introducing charismatic characters that ultimately become "one-hit wonders."