win.gg
Win.gg News Mario Kart 8 Deluxe characters

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe characters: Every DLC, best racers

Olivia Richman
Olivia Richman Published 26/04/2024
Google Preferred Source
Dry Bowser Mario Kart

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has every Nintendo character you can think of—and more! Want to make sure you have every racer unlocked and ready to race? Here is the complete list of all the characters in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe!

Every Mario Kart 8 Deluxe character

First, let’s share every character you can be in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! Here’s the full list:

Are any characters unlockable?

All the characters above are available right when you download the game except for one: Gold Mario.

Here is your guide to unlocking Gold Mario in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The key is to get as many coins as possible!

Are any characters DLC?

Yes, on top of the main roster above, there are actually DLC characters as well. Even though fans only expected new courses in each wave of DLC, Nintendo surprised us with characters from past Mario Kart games as well!

Here are the DLC characters:

Which characters are the best?

If you play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe competitively, you’ll realize some characters and Kart builds are superior to others. Based on characters’ stats, a meta has been formed for online racing.

Dry Bowser is currently considered the best racer in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Why? He is pretty fast despite being a heavy character. This means he has great handling and defense as well as the acceleration needed to remain in the lead.

Olivia Richman Olivia Richman
About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

View full profile
Read Also
Rockstar confirms GTA 6 pre-orders and reveals cover art GTA
Rockstar confirms GTA 6 pre-orders and reveals cover art Ben Boland GTA 6’s long-awaited release is a step closer, with Rockstar Games confirming that pre-orders will begin on June 25. The studio also revealed the official cover art, giving fans belief that the game is now set for release as scheduled on November 19, 2026. Announcing the news on social media platforms, including X and YouTube, the studio said: "Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI will officially begin on June 25 ...
Kai Cenat, Duke Dennis and AMP are being sued — here’s what we know Twitch
Kai Cenat, Duke Dennis and AMP are being sued — here’s what we know Khizar Mundia A group civil lawsuit has been filed against content organization Any Means Possible (AMP) and several of its members, including Kai Cenat and Duke Dennis. Kai Cenat and other AMP members were part of an IRL stream inside a San Antonio mall in August 2025 that led to a massive legal response against the group. The streamers were allegedly requested to leave, refused. This led to the mall’s security and ...
iShowSpeed continues his World Cup 2026 tour: Here’s what he was up to during Portugal’s match News
iShowSpeed continues his World Cup 2026 tour: Here’s what he was up to during Portugal’s match Khizar Mundia IRL YouTuber iShowSpeed is continuing with his FIFA World Cup 2026 tour, with his latest broadcast covering the Portugal match, and the creator fanboying over his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. iShowSpeed announced his FIFA World Cup 2026 tour during his Caribbean Tour, which saw the creator hit new milestones. The YouTuber began his new IRL livestreams as soon as the matches started, interacting with players and having an unexpected encounter with ...
Here’s how GTA RP streamers can get verified faster on Kick Kick
Here’s how GTA RP streamers can get verified faster on Kick Fariha Bhatti Kick is teaming up with a GTA roleplay server for the first time ever, offering streamers a fast track to visibility and a shot at official Kick partnership. Getting verified on Kick is one of the toughest hurdles for new streamers, and it’s not exactly a surprise. Hundreds of new creators join the platform every day, all after the verified checkmark and hoping to eventually qualify for the Kick Partner ...
Twitch CEO says AI can assist streamers, not replace them News
Twitch CEO says AI can assist streamers, not replace them Conn Mc Gillion Twitch CEO Dan Clancy believes that livestreaming remains more human-focused in the age of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference in Aspen, he said: "AI is trying to take humans out of the equation, and live is one of the formats that keeps humans at the centre. You connect with people. You can understand them. You can see who they are." The comments came during a discussion ...
What is Twitch’s Creator Sponsorship Certification, and how can it help small streamers? Twitch
What is Twitch’s Creator Sponsorship Certification, and how can it help small streamers? Khizar Mundia Twitch's Creator Sponsorship Certification is expanding, and it has the potential to help smaller streamers get off the ground when it comes to partnerships. Sponsorships are an essential part of many streamers’ career, as they provide a steady and potentially lucrative income for broadcasting sponsored content. While there is no guaranteed method for a streamer to get signed by a brand, Twitch has a course that could be beneficial. Twitch's ...
Thrill announces new Original Roulette — here is how it plays Slots
Thrill announces new Original Roulette — here is how it plays Fariha Bhatti Thrill has made another addition to its stacked range of Originals, with the crypto casino announcing the release of Roulette. The classic table game rounds off the list with timeless mechanics and a distinctly modern twist. Thrill is a leading crypto casino and hosts a vast library of online slots and games that appeal to players of all tastes. From mainstream heavyweights like Hacksaw Gaming to underrated studios like Endorphina, ...