Summary
It’s no secret thatMario Kart 8is one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 65 million units sold as of 2024. However, after dominating the charts as the fastest-sellingMario Kart,sales of the critically acclaimedMario Kart 8dippedslightly last fall, missing the top 20 bestseller list for the first time. Interestingly, considering that another popularMariofranchise launched a new title around the same time, it seems that Nintendo missed out on a perfect DLC opportunity.
DespiteSuper Mario Bros. Wonder’s record-breaking debut in October 2023, a collaboration DLC forMario Kart 8was noticeably absent. Given the immense popularity of both games, this could have been the perfect way to engage the two communities. LeveragingSuper Mario Bros. Wonder’s popularity could have been a recipe for success, especially sinceMario Kart 8’s final DLC update was released in November.
One Character Would’ve Been Perfect For Mario Kart 8’s Sixth Wave
Prince Florian Should Have Been The Ninth DLC Character
Regrettably forMario Kart 8enthusiasts, the game’s sixth and final wave debuted last year. While it included eight new tracks and an array of playable characters, such as Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline, and Peachette, it was sadly lacking inSuper Mario Bros. Wondercontent. Without a doubt, the Wigger-likeruler of the Flower Kingdomwould have been an excellent playable character for the kart-racing game.
As of 2024, there are42 playable characters inMario Kart 8, not including the eight DLC characters in the Booster Course Pass. Disappointingly, the game features a relatively low number of characters that aren’t considered mainstay companions. The only personalities that might fall into this category are Luigi and Yoshi, though Luigi’s classification is up for debate. Even with this in mind, long-awaited characters such as Cappy, F.L.U.D.D, and Lubby still haven’t made their way to the game.
Still, Nintendo had the opportunity to address this issue with thelast wave ofMario Kart 8’s DLC. It would have been thrilling to have Prince Florian as a playable character and a kart themed around the Flower Kingdom. His glider could have mimicked his iconic orange flower crown. Furthermore, considering that Prince Florian exclaims inSuper Mario Bros. Wonderthat “someday [he’ll] be the fastest caterpillar anywhere,” his inclusion in theMario Kartfranchise would have made perfect sense.
Prince Florian Could Be The Next Generation’s Toad
Luckily, even thoughMario Kart 8’s chapter has been closed, there remains a possibility for the little caterpillar to make an appearance in future installments.This could includeMario Kart 9, or even other franchises likeMario PartyorMariosports games. For now, it could be that Nintendo wants to develop Prince Florian more before making him and the Flower Kingdom recurring elements in the franchise.
If Prince Florian were to make more frequent appearances in games, there’s a good chance he could gain popularity akin to Toad in the years to come. With his beady eyes, lime-colored skin, and uplifting personality, the sky is the limit for the prince of the Poplins and Talking Flowers. Hopefully,Super Mario Bros. Wondercan break the trendof introducing charismatic characters that ultimately become “one-hit wonders.”
Mario Kart 8
WHERE TO PLAY
Race with Mario and friends anytime, anywhere! Burn rubber across Mushroom Kingdom raceways—underwater, in the sky, upside-down in zero-g, and past the finish—for the win! Get revved up for local multiplayer*, online** in-game tournaments, a revamped battle mode, and more!Stay fresh in the Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe game by playing as guest characters Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy! You can use their Splatoon inspired karts on their battle mode stage, Urchin Underpass. There are also returning items, like Boo, the item-stealing ghost, and the Feather, used exclusively in battle mode. Veterans rejoice—you can hold two items at once! Prove you’re the world’s best racer and battler in online tournaments, or simply race and battle friends online. With many control options and handheld mode, there’s always a way to play on the Nintendo Switch™ system!
