Nintendo has denied allegations that it used AI-generated images in the development of Mario Kart World, specifically in relation to in-game billboard advertisements.

The controversy emerged following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered a closer look at the upcoming racing title. Observant fans quickly noticed something unusual about several in-game billboards, featuring imagery such as a construction site, a bridge, and an oddly tall vehicle—details that sparked speculation about the use of artificial intelligence in asset creation.

Image credit: Nintendo.
While many unreleased games include placeholder graphics that are later replaced, Nintendo clarified that no AI tools were used during the development of Mario Kart World. In a statement provided to Eurogamer, the company confirmed: “AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World.”

Image credit: Nintendo.
This comes amid growing industry-wide discussions around generative AI and its impact on creative fields—including video game development. Concerns over ethics, copyright, and job displacement have led to increased scrutiny, with labor unions and performers calling for stronger protections against AI use.

In fact, last September, Nintendo's Creative Fellow Shigeru Miyamoto stated that the company prefers to explore a unique path when it comes to emerging technologies like AI. While EA CEO Andrew Wilson described AI as “the very core of our business,” Miyamoto emphasized Nintendo’s alternative philosophy.

During an interview with The New York Times, Miyamoto elaborated: “It might seem like we are just going the opposite direction for the sake of going in the opposite direction, but it really is trying to find what makes Nintendo special.”

He continued, “There is a lot of talk about A.I., for example. When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction.”

Miyamoto’s comments followed earlier statements from Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, who acknowledged that while generative AI offers potential, it also raises concerns regarding intellectual property rights.

“We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players,” Furukawa explained. “While we are open to utilizing technological developments, we will work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone.”

Mario Kart World is set to launch as a console-exclusive title for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, which debuts on June 5. Pre-orders for the new system opened on April 24 at the standard price of $449.99—but availability was predictably limited. For more details, check out IGN’s full Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.