Nintendo Rejects AI Use Claims in Mario Kart World Billboard Development

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

Speculation arose after a Nintendo Treehouse livestream offered a glimpse of the upcoming racing game a few weeks ago. Sharp-eyed fans noticed that some in-game billboards, featuring a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, appeared suspicious.

While many pre-release games use temporary graphics not intended for the final version, Nintendo dismissed claims that any part of its pre-release game relied on AI, stating to Eurogamer: "No AI-generated images were used in developing Mario Kart World."

Generative AI remains a hot topic in creative industries, particularly in video game development. Beyond ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions have voiced worries about AI potentially displacing jobs, prompting video game performers to advocate for stronger protections against its use.

Last September, legendary Nintendo developer Shigeru Miyamoto emphasized that the company prefers a unique approach, diverging from industry trends in AI adoption. For instance, EA CEO Andrew Wilson described AI as "the very core of our business," a perspective IGN later examined in depth. Miyamoto, however, highlighted Nintendo’s distinct philosophy.

In a discussion with The New York Times, Miyamoto proactively raised AI as an example of where Nintendo opts for a different path compared to its competitors.

“It may seem like we’re just going against the grain for the sake of it, but we’re really focused on what makes Nintendo unique,” Miyamoto explained.

“There’s a lot of buzz around AI,” he added. “When everyone else moves in one direction, Nintendo chooses to carve its own path.”

Miyamoto’s remarks echoed comments from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who noted that while generative AI offers creative potential, it also raises intellectual property concerns.

“We’ve spent decades perfecting the ultimate gaming experiences for our players,” Furukawa said. “While we’re open to new technologies, our focus is on delivering value that’s uniquely Nintendo and can’t be replicated by technology alone.”

The much-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World is an exclusive title, is slated for release on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24, priced at $449.99, and met with the expected enthusiasm. Visit IGN’s Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide for details.

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