There are eight playable characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Wario, Bowser, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong. Each character falls into one of three weight classes: Light: They have high acceleration, but poor speed and handling. Their light weight means they are easily pushed around, but do not lose much speed when they go off-road. (Members: Peach, Yoshi, Toad) Middle: Middleweights are supposedly average in top speed, acceleration, weight, and handling, but their acceleration and speed is in fact just as bad as heavyweights. They can make lightweights spin-out within two bumps in collisions, but can be spun out within two bumps in a collision with a heavyweight. (Members: Mario and Luigi) Heavy: They have weak acceleration, but great speed and handling. Their heavy weight means they can ram lighter characters, but lose a lot of speed they go off-road. Heavy characters can to spin out middleweights in two bumps and lightweights within a single bump in collisions. Because of their low speed and handling, they are not often used by players in races. However, they are a favourite for many Battle Mode players. They can make lightweights and middleweights lose a balloon when they run into them or when they get run into. (Members: Donkey Kong, Wario, Bowser)
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