Super Mario Kart adventure archiveSuper Mario KartGUIDES
Super Mario Kart / Characters

Super Mario Kart Characters: all eight drivers and rival behavior

Choose a handling class and recognize computer-only attacks.

Edition covered

Original SNES rules and eight-driver roster. Later remakes of these tracks use different handling, items and layouts.

6 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.

Characters

Quick notes

  • The eight drivers form four pairs. Characters in each pair share their driving attributes.
  • Computer rivals use special attacks. CPU drivers can deploy character-specific hazards that a human player cannot collect from Question Blocks.
  • Donkey Kong Jr. is the playable Kong. The SNES roster predates adult Donkey Kong joining Mario Kart.
  • Practice a complete cup with one class. A consistent kart makes the slippery Vanilla Lake turns and Ghost Valley edges easier to learn.

The eight drivers form four pairs

Driver classes
PairStrengthTradeoff
Mario and LuigiBalanced performanceNo extreme specialty
Peach and YoshiFast accelerationMore care needed in bends
Bowser and Donkey Kong Jr.High maximum speedSlow acceleration
Koopa Troopa and ToadResponsive handlingLower maximum speed
References
Guide references
ReferenceWebsite
Nintendo game information or original manualwww.nintendo.com
Original-edition mechanics and referencewww.mariowiki.com