Poll: Which Character Would You Like To See Return Next In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe?

Definitely Diddy first. He had his own kart game so he should be in this one too. I would love to see Kamek since I remember way back when he was supposed to be in MK64 and I’d still like to play as him in a non-mobile game. Pauline and Captain Toad would be cool too.

How is ROB first? He was a nice novelty, but he was still a novelty.

I'd say my top three would be ROB, DK Jr, and Hammer Bro. Honorable mention to Pauline

Peachette. For me.

Pauline!!! We have the main 4 boys (Mario, Luigi, Wario and Waluigi) so we need to have the 4 main girls (Peach, Daisy, Rosalina and Pauline)

I would like to see more Mii clothing options from head to toe, not really a fan of using costume from other characters.

I’d rather have a custom grand prix option with customizeable settings.

Easily Funky Kong. You cannot add a character with that much swagger and keep him trapped on the Wii and Tour. He needs a comeback

Kamek! He's supposed to be playable character in Mario Kart 64, and in (original?) Mario Kart 8 as well!
@bonjong23 Yeah! Kamek supposed to be playable character not only in Mario Kart 64, but in (original?) Mario Kart 8 as well!

Paratroopa. We need to bring as much Double Dash (the best Mario Kart) as possible.

Pink Gold Honey Queen

The most iconic Mario Kart character. The queen bee.

Diddy so Nintendo perhaps remembers the gem that is Diddy Kong Racing.

Or Captain Falcon so Nintie perhaps remembers the awesomeness that is F-Zero.

... Wun can only hope.

Monty Mole, who else?

Diddy Kong and Pauline seem like the most notable abscences out of that list. If they were going to go outside the Mario universe, Kirby would be the obvious choice. I'm honestly surprised he wasn't one of the first crossover characters. And since they have no problem reselling brushed up Tour content, dumping in all those alternate costumes would also be a cool move.

Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong!!
You know what... all the Kong's family are welcome

Pauline would be cool.

I have never associated speed with ROB or Captain Toad.

It can't be Monty Mole since he's already there as a stage hazard.

Perhaps the new gimmick for MK9 can be an adventure mode like in Diddy Kong Racing and Diddy as a new racer. Kind of a merging of the series.

Surprised by how few votes Funky got, the MKWii players must be asleep..

A lot more people voting for diddy kong than I thought I'm down

There are some good ideas, here! What about Princess Zelda? Or Tom Nook?

I picked Captain Toad, but if I had to pick any Mario character, it would be Paper Mario. Not sure how they would make him work, but he deserves it. But they've already added Zelda, Animal Crossing and Splatoon characters, so my obvious choice is Kirby.

Petey Piranha. probably one of my favorite characters of Mario Kart: Double Dash to play as.

@ComfyAko They can forego Double Dash's characters if they'll just give us the tracks already. They're still missing most of the best ones.

I said in another story, but I want to see Pauline, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Funky Kong, Hammer Bro. and the other Bros. as alts and Kamek.

If we're lucky we get R.O.B. to join Link, the Villagers, Isabelle and the Inklings.

I kind of want to see Donkey Kong Jr. as well, but what would we get? a new 3D model or the SNES incarnation (like in Mario Kart Tour)?

Conker the Squirrel OH MY GOD YES PLEASE.

Captain Toad or gtfo tbh

Wiggler and kamek for me. ROB is just… why? Nostalgia, I guess? But no, don’t need him.

Samus/Zero Suit Samus along with a Metroid themed level. Of course, I’d probably rather see this in the Mario Kart successor.

No love for King Bob-omb?! What kind of a world do we live in?

I mean...all of them, to be honest. But my #1 pick would be Kamek, who has gotten the shaft in a mainline game for far too long now. I also really want some of the game-specific costumes from Tour like Dr. Mario and Builder Mario. I don't know if there's a Biker Wario alt based on WarioWare or anything, but that'd be pretty sick, too.

R.O.B. is in Mario Kart DS, so it wouldn't be the first time for him.

Of course King Wart, easily the most underused character from the Mushroom Universe.

There was no reason for Nintendo to omit Funky and Diddy Kong.

I voted Diddy Kong.

Interesting that Diddy Kong and Funky Kong are currently first and second...

...yet next week marks NINE years since we got a new Donkey Kong game.

Strange, no?

Wow that’s a lot more options than I would’ve imagined. Would love to see more original characters added other than another baby, pink gold peach, tanooki Mario, etc.

I chose Nabbit but would love to see Chargin Chuck as well.

I know I will be hated, but;

Funky Kong, no evidence to my reasoning. Just cause.

Really hard but probably Kamek. He's just such a substantial part of the recent core 2D platformers to be ignored.
Also, I swear Ice bro has appeared in only like 3 games, so they'd definitely be last.

I initially read this headline as “ which character would you like to see return in THE NEXT Mario Kart 8” - which I thought was a reasonable statement because Mario Kart 8 will be on each new Nintendo console for eternity. The number is frozen in time.

I'd like a good number of these, but Diddy's omission is the only one that feels like a mistake that still needs to be corrected, much like Birdo was.

Diddy and Dixie Kong.

Funky Kong is such a meme. Heighten because he was objectively the best character paired with the flame runner in the wii game.

Maybe in the next entry MK10 it'll have constant flow of course, character, costume additions, and updates. One can dream.

Ridley.

Because why not.

I feel that Diddy Kong should be the next character, him and Birdo were the only remaining characters that had featured in more than 1 Mario Kart prior to Tour (both appeared in Double Dash and Wii) and we're getting Birdo in wave 4. After that, I'd say Funky Kong (should come with the Flame Runner) and Petey Piranha would be my picks.

@JJtheTexan Are you saying that everyone listed in the NL poll is a returning character? I don't remember several of these being in Mario Kart before. What have I been missing?!

Long shot but I want my little Mac

@Setrodox The characters that have been playable in a Mario Kart prior to Tour are:

• Donkey Kong Jr. - Super Mario Kart
• Diddy Kong - Double Dash, Wii
• Petey Piranha - Double Dash
• Paratroopa - Double Dash
• R.O.B. - DS
• Funky Kong - Wii
• Honey Queen - 7
• Wiggler - 7

All the others had their Mario Kart debut in Tour. Given Nintendo's treating Tour tracks as retro tracks, it's possible they use the same approach for characters.

Add all the Kongs and Pauline. I would seriously come back to this game if they were added.

Kamek!

Don't make me tap the sign.

Let's not forget Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Blinky

Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Kamek, Pauline, and Petey Piranha seem the most likely. It would be awesome to finally have Kamek in a console Mario Kart after he was cut from 64 over 25 years ago.

We already got one character from Double Dash, but I'll still list one from each game starting with Double Dash.

• Diddy Kong (GCN)
• R.O.B. (DS)
• Funky Kong (Wii)
• Wiggler (3DS)
• Pauline (Tour)
  It's my hope that we'll get at least two characters for each wave from here on out. Of course, Nintendo could drop a bunch of characters for one wave, and then add some bonus Battle Maps with the final wave, just so it doesn't feel like the Battle Mode is once again an afterthought in this game.

How about a new game?

@fishbujin No one's forgotten. The MK Arcade games are sub series, their characters are not eligible. Nintendo doesn't count them as mainline or else Mario Kart 3DS would had been MK8 and MKWiiU/Switch would be MK9.

the DKC2 duo: Dixie and Diddy Kong

Donkey Kong Jr! DK's dad is due for a return.

I'd rather have the Double Dash play mechanic come back.

What about the option for "All of the Above"?

Uh Goomba is the only correct answer

Playing as Diddy Kong would be awesome.

I think most of us just want a new Diddy Kong racing.

Kamek has been robbed his spot in a proper Mario Kart game at least twice and he really deserves to finally be given a spot on the roster.

If not him then I would pick Hammer Bro with Boomerang, Fire and Ice variants. Otherwise, I would add Pauline.

Funky kong, my mate from mkWii. Ornmaybe diddy if they would release diddykongracing for the n64NSO at the same time. (Beats mk64 every time)

And NO MORE BABIES.

First, fix the missing characters:
Diddy, D.K. Jr, Funky and R.O.B.

Then UNIQUE and MEANINGFUL newcomers:
Dixie, Kamek/Kammy/Kamella, Nabbit and Pauline

Obscure but original characters (Stanley, Wart, Tatanga, C. Syrup, other Kongs, K. Rool, Geno, E. Gadd, Toadsworth, Il Piantíssimo, Prince Peasley, Fawful, Mona) or random guys from species not previously featured (Dr. Mario viruses, Bandineros, Kremlings, penguins, Noki, Piantas, Beanishes, Lumas, Tostarenans, Lochladies, Shiverians, Bubblainians, Volbonians) would also be OK, but the 2 catergories above are top priority.

Once we got all of that covered, Nintendo can make up as many metal, dress, power-up, baby variants, (which should all be mere palette swaps) generic basic species (moles, koopas, toads) and nonsense ugly crossovers as they wish.

But since we are talking about the company that pulled out Pink Gold Peach and babies out of nowhere, and stuffed Smash Bros with random pokemon, they will probably do it the opposite way.

EDIT: I would be kind of OK with Paratroopa, Petey, Wiggler and Honey Queen, since they are returning characters, but they are still random generic basic characters (kind of like adding a regular goomba or mouser) that should leave their spot for the top 2 priorities mentioned earlier.

Respect to the guy that said Hammer Bro, they really deserve a spot.
I hate having to choose just one, as I feel literally every character (except for Honey Queen) deserves to make it in, even as an alternate costume of some kind. But my Wii nostalgia compels me to select Funky Kong, one of the best characters ever made.

Gimme dat big boi King Bob-omb! 💣👑🙌

Would not be surprised if Pauline was in. She is in tennis, golf, and strikers already.

I can see myself actually playing as ROB, but none of the others so it gets my vote.

Diddy tops the list for me. Though, Paratrooper gets my #2 pick.

Funky kong. Women want to be with him, men want to be him.

@InTree The metallic and baby characters though? Essential.

I would love to see more character specific powerups/skills similar to double dash but expand on it. Also seeing more fun items. Also, how about driving through more stages from other video games. Also having stage specific upgrades and weapons.

All hail Fami-ROB!!

@Grumblevolcano Tour is what I was missing. That's a lot! Thanks for clarifying!

Most of these I've never seen in a Mario Kart game. The one I have and definitely should be added is ROB. He was a bit of a favourite on the DS.

PS: It wouldn't surprise me if Nintendo adds all these characters, and dual character mode, for Mario Kart Ultimate on Switch 2. 100% personal speculation, of course.

I voted paratrooper! Haha least percentage it was I just love koopas and playing as them in Mario kart, it be cool if could play as one in 3d land !

Obviously funky Kong, but I've now realized that Diddy Kong isn't in the game and that's pretty weird

@Max_the_German I main monty in tour in multiplayer, got him maxed out at lvl 8 so hes the only one that would make me swap mains with waluigi

Any DKC Kong, followed by Petey Piranha and ROB.

What about Daisy? As she ever been in a MK game?

Seems like an unpopular opinion but i would love to see my boy Kamek in there

Pauline’s been my number one choice for what feels like too long.

I’m glad to see her making more appearances in recent years, but she still gets sidelined at times.

As for the rest, Wiggler, Honey Bee, and R.O.B. would be preferable in order to further diversify the roster. Many of the others seem out of place (especially the enemies) or in the case of Captain Toad, could simply be an alternate costume (though the same can be said of Metal Mario and Pink Gold Peach).

I’d be happy to see more Mii costumes unlockable via amiibo though!

The fact that Diddy Kong hasn't been added yet is just baffling.

I vote wiggler. He hasn't gotten any special attention since Mario kart 7

The correct answer is Tingle

Kamek features prominently in Origami King, Mario Bros. Wii U Deluxe, Crafted World, and the new Mario movie.

How the hell is he not in Mario Kart already?

I’ve never played MK8, but I’m baffled to see that ROB was never in the original roster. It was my favorite character in MKDS

@Bearzilla823 she was playable in Double Dash, DS and Wii. she’s even in 8

As a Donkey Kong fan my vote is for the Kongs. Heck. Add all the Kongs like Lanky Kong, Tiny Kong, Chunky Kong, Cranky Kong and Wrinkly Kong. LOL A new Donkey Kong game is soo long overdue and I would love a New Donkey Kong Country Returns 3 but I think another 3D game like Donkey Kong 64 could be even better!! I would like to see Captain Toad in the DLC too and it would be fun if they could make a course based on one of the Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker levels. I am surprised with all these new courses coming and Link in the game they haven't made any courses based on Breathe of the Wild.

If Link was allowed in, so should be Pit from Kid Icarus and Samus and a Metroid from Metroid. Search your feelings.

@BASEDSAKRI I am surprised, your account picture shows Birdo in an unusual version…

Quick question. Why has Diddy Kong Racing never been re-released? I thought they would have re-released it on Nintendo Wii U when they added Donkey Kong Country 1-3 and Donkey Kong 64 since Rare made those games with Nintendo too but Diddy Kong Racing hasn't been available on anything since Nintendo 64. 😯

Why not save everyone the trouble? The answer is obvious: Everyone! I mean Mario Kart is essentially the Smash Brothers of Kart Racing so it would make sense to add all the characters.

Definitely R.O.B. for me!

i wanna see R.O.B. again
but i question...
how would he use a bike?

Where’s Pac-Man, Ms Pac-Man, Blinky and the drum character (I forgot his name)? Do the arcade games not count?

I want Kirby and a Kirby themed course

Bring them all over. Though my preference would be the Kongs starting with Funky, Diddy, and even Dixie. Hopefully with the inclusion of more characters we can also get another battle arena. Block Fort 64 anyone?

Add the Kongs, the bros and finally KAMEK and we're set.

Funky Kong and Pauline, 100% need to come to this game.

It's super weird that Diddy Kong isn't already present.

...but I didn't vote for him, because I hated him in Wii. Very annoying.

Voted for Captain Toad but Kamek would be super cool too!!!

I'd love Petey and Monty. Both are just really goofy and fun characters in my eyes! I think we'll definitely get Pauline because they're Rosalina-ing her into more games now as a fan fave. I also think we're getting a Kong, my money's on Diddy or Dixie.

And if we're going with another wild first party: Samus or Olimar are racing onto the scene in time for their games! (Cross promotion is the best promotion. )

All of the kongs, but also Pauline and Honey Queen

Diddy, ROB, Pauline, Captain Toad !

FUNKAYYYYY KONG - LETS GOOOOO

None. I'd rather have new tracks. Actual content worth my time. Unless ofc they give each character a unique attack worth playing for.

No game should have Funky Kong.

They should correct their error in judgment (Mario Kart DS) and put in E. Gadd

I would love Luma to be in Mario kart. Considering that luma was with Rosalina in Mario kart Wii, but having them separately in 8 deluxe would be nice and adding the other colors that luma appears in like in super Mario galaxy.