In the world of Mario Kart, items are more than just a simple addition—they’re the secret ingredient that turns each race into a whirlwind of fun and unpredictability, perfect for a party setting. Mario Kart World recognizes this and has already lined up nearly 30 items, including some exciting new additions and beloved classics from past games.
Almost all the fan-favorite items from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are back, with the notable exceptions of the Piranha Plant and Crazy 8. However, fans will be thrilled to see the Mega Mushroom from Mario Kart Wii making a comeback, alongside unique items like the Coin Block, Hammer, and Ice Flower from Mario Kart Tour. With such a promising lineup, there are still a few iconic items from older titles that fans would love to see reappear.
Mario Kart World seems to have made some tweaks to fit the bigger lobbies and wider tracks. A good example is the Coin Block, which now scatters coins behind your kart once activated.
The Heart Shield, a powerful defensive item initially available for Peach and Daisy in Mario Kart: Double Dash, is a standout. It can block incoming attacks and turn them against opponents. It made a return in Mario Kart Tour, showing it could work beyond the GameCube. With crowds of over 20 racers, its utility in Mario Kart World would be undeniable.
Another item to consider is Mario Kart Tour’s Bubble. While not the most popular, it could find its niche on Mario Kart World’s expansive tracks. Acting like a slower version of Bullet Bill, it gives players at the back a boost, shields them briefly, and bypasses track obstacles. This ability would be particularly useful over off-track sections, maintaining speed without penalties.
The Fake Item Box from Mario Kart 64, despite its controversy, could bring an extra layer of strategy and surprise, especially on some of the more straightforward-looking tracks in Mario Kart World.
Fans might also remember the Giant Banana from Donkey and Diddy Kong in Double Dash. It causes any kart that hits it to spin out, making it a perfect fit for Mario Kart World’s expansive tracks where players can wall-climb and rail-grind to dodge such large traps.
Lastly, there’s the memorable Bowser’s Shell from Double Dash. This menacing projectile bounces off walls, hitting multiple adversaries in its path. In the crowded races of Mario Kart World, launching this destructive shell from the back of the pack could dramatically shift the race dynamics and rankings.
These nostalgic items could enhance the new Mario Kart World experience, adding both fun and challenge to every race.