Mario Kart World is the lead-off title for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the publisher made it clear that generative AI played no part in it.

Nintendo denies the use of generative AI in Mario Kart World's development following fan concerns. Controversy has surrounded the game due to things like its $80 price tag.

That’s what the Mario Kart moment exposed. It doesn’t matter if AI was used or not – what matters is that it looked like it was. Perception, in this case, became the product.

Though Mario Kart isn’t exactly a franchise known for realism, some YouTubers posited that Nintendo used generative AI to produce the image. (Credit: Nintendo) ...

Adaptive AI isn't completely new to the franchise. The older Mario Kart games had rubberbanding, where the slower opponents would artificially speed up to catch up to the player.

Charmed by the introduction of a cow racer for the new Mario Kart World game, fans have made her the focus of videos that are surfacing in people’s Instagram and TikTok feeds.

Mario Kart World is set to launch worldwide on Thursday, June 5 2025. The title will feature several new game modes and updated movement mechanics, including rail grinding and wall leaps.