Nintendo has refuted allegations that it used AI-generated imagery for the billboards seen in Mario Kart World.
Speculation emerged after a Nintendo Treehouse livestream offered a detailed look at the upcoming racing game a few weeks ago. Observant fans noted that several in-game advertisement boards appeared unusual, with pictures of a construction zone, a bridge, and an oddly tall vehicle prompting questions.
While pre-release builds commonly feature placeholder assets absent from the final version, Nintendo explicitly denied using any AI-generated content, even during development. In a statement to Eurogamer, the company affirmed: "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
Generative AI is currently a major talking point across creative sectors and a particularly contentious subject in video game development. Beyond ethical and copyright considerations, labor unions have voiced worries about AI potentially displacing jobs, and game performers are advocating for stronger safeguards against its implementation.
Last September, Nintendo's iconic developer Shigeru Miyamoto stated the company prefers to chart a "different course" from the wider video game industry regarding artificial intelligence. For instance, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described AI as "the very core of our business"—a statement IGN later examined in depth. According to Miyamoto, however, Nintendo holds a distinct perspective.
During an interview with The New York Times, Miyamoto himself cited AI as an area where Nintendo chooses to diverge from industry trends.
"It may appear we're simply being contrarian, but our goal is to identify what makes Nintendo unique," Miyamoto explained.
"Take the current discussion around A.I.," he continued. "When everyone moves in one direction, that's precisely where Nintendo seeks an alternative path."
Miyamoto's remarks echoed those of Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa from July, who acknowledged generative AI's potential for "creative applications" but also noted the "intellectual property challenges" it presents.
"We possess decades of expertise in crafting exceptional gaming experiences for our audience," Furukawa added. "While we remain open to technological advances, we are committed to delivering the distinctive value that defines Nintendo—value that technology alone cannot replicate."
The eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2—the exclusive platform for Mario Kart World—is scheduled for release on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24, with the price holding steady at $449.99—and demand unfolded exactly as anticipated. For further details, consult IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
