Shigeru Miyamoto has claimed that Toad is his least favorite character in Mario Kart. Despite this, in all footage of him playing Mario Kart 8, he picked Toad every time. Whether he was joking or specifically picking a character he hates to challenge himself is unknown.
![I have an important question. Nintendo has also just released Mariokart 7 for the 3DS. In every iteration of Mariokart, I've always preferred to play as Toad. Who's your favorite character?
That's the most challenging question! I'm sorry that I cannot come up with an interesting answer. Somehow, it's habit to me, but I play with Mario. He's a very balanced character.
Who's your least favorite character?
Toad. [Laughs]
My favorite character is your least favorite character?
I understand that he has some popularity. Somehow.
In a 2012 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Shigeru Miyamoto has claimed Toad is his least favorite Mario Kart character.
In December 2014, Shigeru Miyamoto and Bill Trinen played Mario Kart 8 against YouTuber Rosanna Pansino. Miyamoto picked Toad.
Also in December 2014, Shigeru Miyamoto and Bill Trinen played Mario Kart 8 against YouTuber iJustine. Miyamoto picked Toad again.
Finally, in January 2015, the two played Mario Kart 8 against YouTube group Smosh Games. Miyamoto picked Toad again.
Whether Miyamoto simply had an enormous change of heart about Toad in the intervening 2 years, or whether he was picking his least favorite to challenge or punish himself, is unknown.
Source: information compiled by @SpriteCell, x.com/SpriteCell/status/1653842781897474048 ew.com/article/2012/02/10/shigeru-miyamoto-zelda, youtu.be/DNUcDkNI24o, youtu.be/3Q2KxS32Q1g, youtu.be/untLD6z6aql](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:heeihz7xdhf7dbjx4befobqw/bafkreifdutfosxc2qw6nf6asp7ujiv5ou5hi24ffithpqkvw53nd7q45ae)