Sadly, Mario can’t invite everyone to the joys of the best kart racing game, and there have been many of the best Mario Kart characters that have been left out of the karts, and on the sidelines, especially when it comes to Mario Kart8.
As the mainline Mario Kart racer, Mario Kart8 has been at the front and center of Mario’s karting adventures for almost a decade. Although new maps have come to Mario Kart8, there remain some iconic characters that have yet to get behind the wheel and join the friendly competition.
7 Funky Kong
One of the coolest dudes in the Mario franchise, Funky Kong loves to surf, and joins the Mario Kart franchise with Mario KartWii. This title saw Funky Kong enjoy the 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 since Mario KartWii. Many players are desperate to see the easygoing surfer Kong return to the racing genre, and players still hold out hope for Mario Kart8.
6 Diddy 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.
Diddy Kong is a veteran of the racing genre. From his own game, Diddy Kong Racing, to the Mario Kart franchise. Despite featuring in multiple Mario Kart games, he has not returned to Mario Kart8, which devastates the biggest Diddy-heads.
5 Donkey 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 first SuperMario Kart game.
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 Kong takes the wheel.
4 Honey Queen
Perhaps the oddest racer to feature in the Mario Kart games is the Honey Queen. Fans were surprised and confused as to why Honey Queen was chosen as a playable character in Mario 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.
Firstly, Honey Queen was a minor character in Super Mario Galaxy, and her design is a tad on the odd side of things and doesn’t seem right compared to the increasing and exciting roster of the Mario Kart games.
3 Wiggler
Wiggler may be a species of caterpillar in the Mario franchise 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 joined Mario Kart: Double Dash!! As a new racer.
Wiggler was an exciting character for Mario Kart because they would get so aggressive if they were hit 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 the Mario Kart 8 Booster Course later this year.
2 R.O.B.
The Robotic Operating Buddy is more well-known for his time in Mario Kart than he is as an NES accessory. R.O.B. was a guest character in Mario KartDS and used his technology to better enhance his abilities when it comes to driving behind the wheel.
R.O.B. stayed put in Mario Kart DS and has not returned. Although the character has had some staying power in the Mario franchise thanks to his fighting capabilities in Super Smash Bros., it seems that Mario is holding a grudge against this skilled fighter, as he has yet to return to the Mario Kart franchise.
1 Petey Piranha
Piranha Plants are a hostile threat in the Mario games, 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 few Mario Kart titles, even if outside the Kart games he remains a boss fight.
Hopefully, Petey Piranha doesn’t hold too much of a grudge against 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 for Mario Kart 8’s Booster Course Wave 5.