Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game filled with content. Not only does it sport the highest number of playable tracks, thanks partly to the Booster Pass DLC, but, the most expansive roster featured in the franchise to date. With an astonishing 42 racers on the roster, and the option to use your Mii avatar, you have several characters to choose from as you race through these beautiful tracks.
The roster may not be done increasing as with the return of Birdo to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The door is open for several other characters to join the fun during the subsequent few waves of DLC. There are so many good possible candidates to select from.
8 Petey Piranha: Hitting The Big Time
First introduced to the Super Mario franchise in Super Mario Sunshine, Petey Piranha has generally taken the role of a boss. In Mario Kart Double Dash, however, he was given the role of a playable racer. Despite not appearing in a Mario Kart title since Double Dash, Petey has shown up in some capacity in numerous games, like Mario Strikers Charged.
Given that the developers seem to enjoy including him, and he'd serve the role of a new heavyweight driver well, Petey Piranha would make for a comfortable choice to join the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe roster.
7 Kamek Koopa: Racing Like Magic
The Mario Kart series has seen its fair share of playable Koopas. First, there was the standard Koopa in Super Mario Kart, and now we've had various types, like Para-Koopa and Lakitu. Despite his importance, Kamek Koopa has yet to appear on the roster of a Mario Kart title on console.
Debuting in Yoshi's Island, Kamek has acted as Bowser's loyal servant for years. Despite getting to join the casts of Mario Party and sports titles, Kamek's only appearance in the series is Mario Kart Tour on phones. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe could change that by debuting Kamek during the upcoming waves of DLC.
6 Diddy Kong: Do Your Best, Little Buddy!
One of the notable omissions from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's roster, Diddy-Kong has shown up in several Mario Kart titles prior. Mario Kart Double Dash and Wii are two games he snuck his way into. Despite his popularity with fans, Diddy has been left off the roster in both Mario Kart 7 and 8. Nintendo can correct this with the DLC by including him in the cast.
This wouldn't be the first time the smaller Kong joined the fun via DLC, as this was how Diddy entered Mario Strikers: Battle League. After missing his chance twice, Diddy deserves the opportunity to race once again.
5 Pauline: Our One-Up Girl
A recent favorite of both the fans and developers, Pauline has genuinely become a star. While she has been around since the original Donkey Kong in arcades, it wasn't until her appearance in 2017's Super Mario Odyssey that she found her way on everybody's radar.
With appearances in Mario Tennis Aces and Mario Strikers: Battle League under her belt, the only thing stopping her inclusion in Mario Kart 8 was that Odyssey hadn't been released yet. With the DLC, this could change, and Pauline could be racing to the tune of Jump Up Super Star on a possible New Donk City course.
4 Pac-Man: The Pac Is Back
While Nintendo has generally only had Mario characters joining Mario Kart, the semi-obscure Mario Kart GP included a certain yellow pellet muncher. Bandai Namco's Pac-Man once raced alongside Mario and his friends in the arcades with his ghostly adversaries.
Since this title, several guest characters have joined the race, like the Inklings from Splatoon and Link from The Legend of Zelda. Given the positive relationship the two companies share, Pac-Man can rejoin Mario and the gang for some kart racing.
3 R.O.B.: Relic Races Once More
Nintendo appears to have a fondness for referencing their robotic operating buddy. Originally a relic from the company's past, R.O.B. has made appearances in a handful of several games, notably Super Smash Bros. One of these is in Mario Kart DS as a secret playable character.
Despite never returning to the series, some fans still enjoy the character. With the advent of the DLC bringing in new racers, R.O.B. can make his grand return to the world of Mario Kart, racing on some of the best tracks in history.
2 King Bob-Omb: Having A Blast
Making his debut in the infamous Super Mario 64, King Bob-omb is one of the most iconic bosses in the Super Mario franchise. Doing battle with him at the top of a hill in Bob-omb Battlefield, gamers growing up in the 90s vividly remember this challenge.
These days King Bob-omb appears as a playable character in Mario spin-off titles. One of these is Mario Kart Tour, and being such an iconic character, now would be the perfect opportunity to allow King Bob-omb the chance to rejoin the cast.
1 Funky Kong: Surf's Up
Funky Kong was a surprising addition to Mario Kart Wii upon its release. Despite having a minor role in several Donkey Kong titles, Funky Kong was allowed to join the race, making a great first impression. Funky Kong's high top speed made him a go-to option among casual and competitive Mario Kart players.
Combined with his lovable personality, Funky has become one of the most beloved Mario Kart veterans. Nintendo has the perfect opportunity to include this fan favorite in a future DLC wave.