Nintendo Pushes Back: ‘No AI Art’ in Upcoming Mario Kart World for Switch 2

As questions swirled about unusual artwork spotted in Mario Kart World demonstrations, Nintendo has firmly denied using AI-generated images in the upcoming game.

A Nintendo spokesperson told Eurogamer directly that “AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World.” This statement comes after fans raised concerns during a recent Nintendo Treehouse livestream where gameplay footage revealed billboards that looked suspicious to some viewers.

The controversy began when fans noticed strange-looking billboards with odd text like “We Build Your Town” and “We Build Your Dreams.” Other images showing an under-construction skyscraper with unusual pathways and a car with oversized windows and tiny tires further fueled speculation about AI use.

Digital Foundry also commented on the lower-quality images on these billboards during their technical analysis. The unusual fonts, strange proportions, and visual artifacts matched characteristics often seen in AI-generated content.

Nintendo’s denial aligns with previous statements from legendary designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who has expressed that the company would “rather go in a different direction” regarding AI technology in game development. This stance reflects a growing concern about cultural anxieties surrounding AI’s influence on creative industries. This approach reflects Nintendo’s commitment to prioritizing quality over using shortcuts in their development process.

The timing is particularly sensitive as Mario Kart World is set to be a major Switch 2 launch title, releasing June 5, 2025, with a premium $80 price tag. The game has already faced criticism over its higher cost, and this AI art speculation added another challenge for Nintendo.

Technical experts noted that the footage shown might represent older builds of the game with placeholder art rather than final assets. Despite the controversy, many anticipate the title will maintain the high standards of quality typical of the franchise. Mario Kart World serves as a flagship title demonstrating the Switch 2’s capabilities and is described as a “bold and ambitious sequel” to the popular Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

For fans interested in purchasing the game, Mario Kart World is currently available for preorder, with a special Switch 2 bundle that will be discontinued in fall 2025. The bundle offers a $30 discount compared to buying items separately.