---
title: "Mario Kart World Datamine Reveals Several Previously Non-Playable Drivers"
url: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch-2/mario-kart-world-datamine-reveals-several-previously-non-playable-drivers/"
description: "Mario Kart World datamine reveals unused drivers and scrapped characters - see what was found, who shared it, and what it could mean for future DLC."
author: "Patrick Dankers"
published at: "2026-11-06 13:11:33"
image: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/mario-kart-world-datamine-reveals-several-previously-non-playable-drivers.jpeg"
markdown url: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch-2/mario-kart-world-datamine-reveals-several-previously-non-playable-drivers.md"
---

Mario Kart World Datamine Reveals Several Previously Non-Playable Drivers | Nintendo Switch 2 News | NintendoReporters

 [![Mario Kart World Datamine Reveals Several Previously Non-Playable Drivers](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/mario-kart-world-datamine-reveals-several-previously-non-playable-drivers.jpeg "Mario Kart World Datamine Reveals Several Previously Non-Playable Drivers")](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/mario-kart-world-datamine-reveals-several-previously-non-playable-drivers.jpeg)**Summary:**

Recently, dataminers uncovered internal files from Mario Kart World that reference several drivers who are not currently selectable in the game. The discovery, shared recently by YouTuber Rimea and credited to MondoMega, points to a surprising list of familiar Mario enemies and track obstacles – names like Thwomp, Blooper, Ninji, Goomba Twins, Chain Chomp, Fuzzy, Bird, Banana and Spiny appear inside driver-related files. Those findings could mean these were cut during development or simply placeholders that were never fully implemented. Whatever the reason, the files give a peek behind the curtain at how large the roster might have once been, and they raise reasonable questions about whether some of these entries could show up later as DLC, updates or cosmetic additions. We’ll unpack what was found, why datamines matter, and what fans can realistically expect next.

---

## [](#what-the-mario-kart-world-datamine-shows-and-why-it-matters)What the Mario Kart World datamine shows and why it matters

The files uncovered in the recent Mario Kart World datamine include references to nine drivers who are not present in the playable roster right now. That matters because datamined driver entries tend to be specific – they often include internal names, weight classes, and links to character stats or models. Seeing enemies like Thwomp and Chain Chomp listed among drivers suggests developers at some point considered turning these track hazards into selectable racers or at least experimented with their statistics. For fans who love roster surprises and odd choices, that glimpse into internal lists is exciting. At the same time, the presence of an entry in a file does not guarantee a finished character ever existed – it can be a placeholder, a test entry, or something left incomplete during development. Still, these files reveal the imagination and options considered while building Mario Kart World’s roster, and they fuel healthy speculation about future updates or DLC additions.

### [](#who-shared-the-discovery-and-where-it-came-from)Who shared the discovery and where it came from

The discovery was publicly highlighted recently by YouTuber Rimea, who credited MondoMega for the initial find on social platforms. Coverage then spread across gaming sites that examined the datamine and pulled the driver names from a file tied to character weight stats. Because the Switch 2 platform had been datamined following an exploit, previously inaccessible game files became inspectable and dataminers were able to find this information. Social sharing amplified the find, with screenshots and lists circulated by community figures. That chain of discovery – from dataminer to community sharer to broader outlets – is how many modern game leaks filter into public awareness. It also explains why reactions ranged from excitement to skepticism: when files surface through unofficial means, the context around them can be thin and interpretation matters a lot.

### [](#which-drivers-appear-in-the-files-and-what-they-suggest)Which drivers appear in the files and what they suggest

The names flagged in the datamine include Thwomp, Blooper, Ninji, Goomba Twins (likely Goomba Tower), Chain Chomp, Fuzzy, Bird, Banana and Spiny. Several of these are established Mario enemies or items that have shown up across Nintendo history, while others are more obscure or ambiguous. For example, Blooper and Chain Chomp are classic foes that would feel at home as playable characters, whereas an entry labeled Bird or Banana could refer to a named enemy, an item with a face, or a placeholder used by the devs. The file where these names appear seems to be tied to driver weight stats, which hints that whatever the entries were intended for, the team was mapping them to gameplay characteristics. That mapping is often one of the last steps in turning a concept into a working racer, which adds weight to the idea that these were at least modeled out in some form.

## [](#cut-content-or-future-dlc-whats-realistic)Cut content or future DLC – what’s realistic

Finding names in game files raises the obvious question – were these drivers cut, or are they planned for future DLC? Both are plausible. Big games commonly include unused or experimental assets during development; many things get prototyped and then removed to meet scope, polish or balance goals. On the other hand, successful racers like Mario Kart 8 expanded their rosters with paid DLC and free updates, so Nintendo adding oddball choices later is a pattern players know well. The prudent stance is to treat file entries as evidence of consideration, not confirmation of planned releases. If Nintendo were to add any of these drivers later, we’d expect official announcements, trailers or store updates. Until then, the safest interpretation is that these entries reflect past testing and creative options rather than a firm roadmap for upcoming DLC.

### [](#how-datamines-can-be-misleading-read-the-files-carefully)How datamines can be misleading – read the files carefully

Datamines give access to raw file names, IDs, and sometimes model references, but they rarely include developer notes or context. That makes it easy to read too much into a line like “Driver\_Banana” or “Driver\_Bird.” Developers frequently use shorthand or placeholders during development, and some names can be legacy entries copied from templates. Weight classes or stat entries might have been populated using default templates, which means a large character could appear as a medium-weight entry due to a copy-paste rather than thoughtful design. Additionally, some datamined items are early experiments that never left the prototype stage. Because of that, community excitement should be balanced with caution – these findings are intriguing, but evidence should be weighed against the limits of what raw files reveal.

#### [](#past-examples-from-mario-kart-and-nintendo-history)Past examples from Mario Kart and Nintendo history

Nintendo and other developers have a history of prototyping and later cutting or changing ideas. Mario Kart 8 received several DLC waves that added unexpected characters years after launch, while other franchises occasionally reveal prototype assets that never arrived in the final build. That precedent shows both possibilities: entries can be resurrected as DLC, or they can remain relics of an earlier development path. Fans remember surprises – playable ghosts, oddball racers, and repurposed items have all shown up across Mario games. The presence of Blooper or Chain Chomp in files is within that tradition – they’re familiar, catchy, and would be fun if added later. But while the precedent makes hope understandable, it’s not proof of intent.

## [](#what-fans-should-expect-next-and-how-to-follow-updates)What fans should expect next and how to follow updates

Expect more digging, chatter, and a mix of guesses and clarifications from dataminers and news outlets. When files like these surface, community members will test for corroborating evidence – model references, texture names, animation pointers, or code that links a driver entry to UI elements. Official confirmation from Nintendo is the only thing that converts speculation into fact, so fans should keep an eye on announcements if they want certainty. To follow updates, keep tabs on reliable Nintendo news sources and community leads who post findings. We recommend checking our [Nintendo Switch 2](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/nintendo-switch-2/) coverage and the general [Nintendo News](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/nintendo-news/) hub for any verified statements or follow-ups. Community discussion, on the other hand, will be the place for hot takes, fan art and wishlist ideas while we wait.

#### [](#community-reaction-and-likely-timeline)Community reaction and likely timeline

Reaction is typically mixed – some fans will demand these drivers be added immediately, others will point out the limitations of datamined evidence. Given Nintendo’s history with roster expansions and careful announcements, any official reveal would likely be accompanied by a trailer or an eShop page entry. If these drivers were genuinely left on the cutting room floor, they could remain dormant indefinitely. If they’re intended for DLC, a formal reveal could come months later, often tied to a Nintendo Direct or a seasonal update. Until we see publisher confirmation, community predictions should be treated as speculative but fun – part of how the player base engages with the franchise and keeps conversation alive.

##### [](#technical-notes-on-the-files-and-what-to-look-for)Technical notes on the files and what to look for

If you’re curious about what makes a datamine convincing, pay attention to supporting artifacts beyond a name. Good indicators include model or texture file references, animation data, UI IDs that point to selection screens, and stat mappings that match playable entries already in the roster. A lone string labeled “Driver\_Bird” is less compelling than a cluster of files that show mesh, rigging, and an entry in the character select list. Dataminers often post screenshots of directory trees and hex dumps to support claims, and reputable outlets cross-check those images against multiple sources. For casual observers, the practical takeaway is simple – more supporting files mean higher confidence that an entry was actually implemented at some level.

##### [](#conclusion)Conclusion

Datamine findings like the Mario Kart World driver list are exciting because they reveal ideas that flirted with reality during development. While the discovery shows that Thwomp, Blooper, Ninji, Goomba Twins, Chain Chomp, Fuzzy, Bird, Banana and Spiny were at least considered in internal files, that does not guarantee they were ever fully playable or that they will arrive as DLC. For now, take the finding as a fascinating peek behind the scenes – one that will spark fan discussion and hopeful wishlists. We’ll keep following the story and report confirmed updates when they happen, while the community keeps speculating and imagining how these oddball racers would handle a turn on Rainbow Road.

##### [](#faqs)FAQs

- **Were these drivers actually playable in development?**
    - Not necessarily – datamines show internal references and prototypes, but they don’t prove a finished, playable implementation existed. Files can be placeholders or tests.
- **Does this mean Nintendo will add them as DLC?**
    - It’s possible but unconfirmed. Nintendo sometimes expands rosters post-launch, but official announcements are needed before assuming anything will be released.
- **Which source first reported these names?**
    - Community dataminers like MondoMega uncovered the entries and social sharers such as Rimea posted the findings, which then spread to wider outlets for verification.
- **Are these files from the Nintendo Switch 2 version?**
    - Yes – the files come from the Switch 2 build of Mario Kart World, which became inspectable after recent datamining activity tied to that platform.
- **Where can I follow official updates?**
    - Follow official Nintendo channels and reliable news hubs. For continued coverage from a Nintendo-focused perspective, check our [home page](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/) and the Nintendo Switch 2 section for verified updates.

##### [](#sources)Sources

- [Mario Kart World Leaks Reveal Unused Characters](https://gamingreinvented.com/news/mario-kart-world-leaks-reveal-unused-characters/), Gaming Reinvented, October 28, 2026
- [Mario Kart World Cut Characters Reportedly Revealed](https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/mario-kart-world-cut-characters-reportedly-revealed/), ComicBook, October 29, 2026
- [Mario Kart World datamine uncovers cut characters including Chain Chomp and Blooper](https://thedailygame.news/story/2026-10-29-mario-kart-world-datamine-uncovers-cut-characters-including-chain-chomp--b2b87f53), The Daily Game News, October 29, 2026

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