PETA Calls Out Nintendo Over Mario Kart World Character Design
Nintendo has found itself in the spotlight as PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, expressed concerns regarding the portrayal of a character in its latest game, Mario Kart World.
PETA’s Letter to Nintendo
PETA’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Engagement, Joel Bartlett, recently penned a letter to Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, addressing the character known as Cow. The character debuted in the newly released Mario Kart World, available on Switch 2, and has already captured the hearts of many players.
The Issue with Cow’s Design
In the letter, Bartlett highlighted a concerning detail: the brass ring in Cow’s nose. He urged Nintendo to show empathy towards animals and requested the removal of this feature. “We herd there’s a new star in Mario Kart World: Cow! She is already winning hearts everywhere—including ours. But one detail has us hitting the brakes: The brass ring in Cow’s nose,” the letter stated.
Real-Life Implications
PETA elaborated on the real-life implications of such depictions, noting that nose rings are used in the meat and dairy industries to control and exploit cows. “These brass rings are crudely stabbed through the sensitive septum of cows and bulls, which can cause lasting pain and discomfort,” they explained.
A Call for Change
The letter further urged Nintendo to revise Cow’s design, emphasizing that “The brass ring in Cow’s nose glosses over real-world violence and cruelty to animals.” PETA requested that the character be allowed to race without reminders of industries that often treat animals as mere profit-making machines. “Every animal is someone. So leave the rings to Sonic and let Cow breathe free!”
Reactions from Fans
The response from gamers on social media has been mixed, with many taking PETA’s complaint lightly. Comments ranged from surprise at the timing of the protest to disbelief that such a fictional detail warranted attention. One user quipped, “The Moo Moo cow has always had a nose ring in the Mario Kart universe, and it’s not even a real animal.”
PETA’s Ongoing Campaigns
This latest complaint from PETA is part of an ongoing campaign against Nintendo. The organization has previously criticized titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for allowing players to fish and catch bugs, and has even launched parody games such as Mario Kills Tanooki and Pokémon Black and Blue to promote awareness about animal rights.
With conversations around animal welfare becoming increasingly important, the dialogue between companies like Nintendo and organizations such as PETA is likely to continue. As the gaming community evolves, so too will the scrutiny of how these virtual worlds reflect our treatment of animals.
