Warning for Mario Kart World competitors using banana sniping: the MKTV helicopter hovering over the racetrack may potentially eliminate your chances of victory
In the vibrant world of Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch 2, a new twist has been uncovered in the game's latest instalment, Mario Kart World. The MKTV helicopter, initially perceived as a decorative element, has been found to serve a more active role in the gameplay[1].
The helicopter follows the player in first place during transitions between tracks, acting as an obstacle by having collision properties[2]. This means that it can physically block the path of projectiles aimed at the leading player, such as bananas, causing them to bounce off the helicopter instead of hitting the player[3].
This mechanic is unusual because the helicopter is not a traditional hazard on the course but an environmental element linked to the game's racing broadcast theme[3]. It serves as a quirky obstacle that can protect the leader from certain attacks unintentionally[4].
Players of Mario Kart World have spent a massive amount of time discovering every detail of the game, with the majority of discoveries revolving around finding speedrun tech and other tomfoolery[5]. On August 9, 2025, a significant discovery about the helicopter was made and shared on Reddit, showcasing a banana being thrown at the first-place racer, bouncing off the helicopter, and falling off the track[6].
Meanwhile, another highly anticipated game, Donkey Kong Bananza, is expected to be released over a month later than Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2[7]. As for another aerial racer, Kirby Air Riders, former Nintendo marketing leads have suggested that it may be delayed to 2026 if development is not going perfectly, to avoid burning out Masahiro Sakurai[8].
Despite the discoveries made, there are still more secrets to uncover in Mario Kart World. The game continues to captivate players, offering a unique blend of racing and unexpected obstacles that keep the competitive spirit alive.
[1] The helicopter in Mario Kart World functions as an obstacle primarily by following the player in first place during transitions between tracks and having collision properties. [2] The helicopter in Mario Kart World can block projectiles aimed at the racer in first place. [3] Although it appears to be just a decorative element representing a TV broadcast drone (MKTV helicopter), it actually affects gameplay by interfering with items thrown at the leading player. [4] In summary: The helicopter tracks the first-place player on routes between race tracks, has collision detection, and serves as a quirky obstacle that can protect the leader from certain attacks unintentionally. [5] Players of Mario Kart World have spent a massive amount of time discovering every detail of the game. [6] A clip from Reddit shows a banana being thrown at the first-place racer in Mario Kart World, bouncing off the helicopter, and falling off the track. [7] Donkey Kong Bananza is a game expected to be released over a month later than Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2. [8] Kirby Air Riders, according to former Nintendo marketing leads, may be delayed to 2026 if development is not going perfectly, to avoid burning out Masahiro Sakurai.
