Summary

  • When Mario Kart World had its big unveiling at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, there was one item missing.
  • The Blue Shell didn't show up at all, despite being a series mainstay.
  • Don't worry, though, it's absolutely still in there and works exactly as it always has.

Although the infamous item was strangely missing during Mario Kart World's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct reveal, Blue Shells have been confirmed to make a friendship-ruining comeback.

For as long as Mario Kart has been the most popular racing series out there (despite Crash Team Racing being miles better), there have been a lot of items that players really hate running into. The Blooper, Coin, Fake Item Box, and Piranha Plant all instantly jump to mind as controversial items, but there's one that rules the rage-inducing roost.

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I am, of course, talking about the Blue Shell (also known as the Spiny Shell), which was originally introduced all the way back in Mario Kart 64. This frustrating item is a rare find that will target the player who is in first place and knock them out for a few seconds, giving other racers a chance at a comeback. While it's technically a fair way of doing things, it's a sore spot for skilled players who are usually in first.

The Blue Shell Is Back To Ruin Your Matches In Mario Kart World

Get Ready To Rage, Racers

When Mario Kart World had its full unveiling during yesterday's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, we got to see a lot of the game and how it evolves the series' formula. That included a bunch of new gameplay that showed off many of the in-game items. Weirdly, though, the Blue Shell wasn't present at all in the clips, despite being a series staple.

With 24 players now able to race in Mario Kart World, you might wonder if that means the Blue Shell has been cut or tweaked at all. Well, after going hands-on with the game myself at a recent preview event, I can confirm that the Blue Shell is here in all of its friendship-ruining glory, and it works exactly how it always has.

The Super Horn is also making a return to Mario Kart World, which should give players some defensive options at least.

It seems that the Blue Shell being missing from the latest gameplay reveal wasn't a purposeful move, though, as footage of it in action can be seen all over the recent Nintendo Treehouse for Mario Kart World. We even see Mario getting hit right on the head with it, confirming that it's here to stay no matter how much some of us wish it was gone for good.

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Mario Kart World

Racing Open-World Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 98% Released June 5, 2025 ESRB Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact Developer(s) Nintendo Publisher(s) Nintendo
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