Choose from the eight drivers
Compare the original weight groups and build a useful practice routine.
Original Nintendo 64 game, first released in Japan in 1996 and internationally in 1997. Guides use the original kart roster, courses and N64 controls.
8 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Character directory
Mario
Mario shares a weight class with Luigi. Use him as a steady reference while learning steering and comparing the other classes.
Luigi
Mario's brother is another middleweight choice. Luigi Raceway, the opening Mushroom Cup circuit, is a useful place to practice with him.
Princess Peach
Peach belongs to the lightweight group alongside Toad and Yoshi. Keep room around heavier drivers while building a clean racing line.
Toad
Toad's small kart is part of the lightweight group. He is a good option for learning recovery after an item hit without seeking deliberate collisions.
Yoshi
Yoshi completes the lightweight trio. His name also appears on Yoshi Valley, whose branching routes reward deliberate practice.
Donkey Kong
D.K. joins Bowser and Wario in the heavyweight class.
Wario
Wario is a heavyweight racer whose stadium features repeated jumps and dirt turns. Learn the route before chasing risky jumps.
Bowser
Bowser's heavier kart rewards staying composed in traffic. His castle course adds narrow routes and moving hazards to the driving challenge.
Quick notes
- Begin with a familiar reference. Mario and Luigi form the middleweight group.
- Give lightweights space. Peach, Toad and Yoshi are the lightweight drivers.
- Test a heavyweight deliberately. Bowser, D.K.
Keep the engine class and course fixed when comparing two drivers.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.