In a thrilling development for gaming enthusiasts, Nintendo’s flagship titles, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, have both been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Console Game of the Year’ at the Golden Joystick Awards. This recognition not only highlights the innovative gameplay and design of these titles but also underscores the impact of the newly launched Switch 2 on the gaming landscape. The competition is fierce, with both games facing off against heavyweights like Death Stranding 2 and Ghost of Ytei.

In a recent interview, Kosuke Yabuki, the producer of Mario Kart World, revealed a fascinating insight into the game’s character selection process: the decision to exclude crossover characters from other Nintendo franchises was intentional. Yabuki explained that the development team felt that introducing characters from other games would disrupt the cohesive Mario-themed universe they aimed to create. This focus on the core Mario experience allows players to immerse themselves fully in the vibrant world of familiar characters and settings.