Nintendo Rejects AI Claims in Mario Kart Dev

Nintendo has denied allegations of using AI-generated imagery for billboards in Mario Kart World.

Speculation arose after a Nintendo Treehouse livestream offered an early look at the upcoming racer. Sharp-eyed fans noticed peculiar details in some in-game ads—including a construction site, bridge, and an unusually elongated car—fueling suspicions.

While pre-release builds often contain temporary assets, Nintendo clarified to Eurogamer: "No AI-generated content was used during Mario Kart World's development."

Generative AI remains contentious across creative fields, particularly gaming. Beyond ethical dilemmas, unions warn of job displacement risks, while voice actors demand safeguards against AI adoption.

Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto emphasized last September that the company charts its own course regarding AI—contrasting with rivals like EA, whose CEO Andrew Wilson deems AI foundational (as analyzed by IGN). Miyamoto framed this divergence as core to Nintendo's identity.

"We're not contrarian for its own sake," Miyamoto told The New York Times. "When industry trends emerge—like AI—we seek alternatives that amplify Nintendo's uniqueness."

President Shuntaro Furukawa echoed this stance in July, acknowledging generative AI's creative potential while highlighting intellectual property concerns: "Our decades of expertise craft irreplaceable experiences. We'll embrace technology only when it enhances our distinctive value."

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5, with Mario Kart World as a platform exclusive. Preorders ($449.99) began April 24—selling out rapidly. For details, consult IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide.

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