Amidst the usual news cycle dominated by tariffs and Nintendo Switch 2 pricing rumors, we've earned a lighthearted Friday respite. Here's something amusing (question mark?) for your weekend: IGN confirmed during a Nintendo New York event that yes, the new Cow character in Mario Kart World can indeed consume burgers, steaks, and various other food items.

For those unfamiliar with this delightful development, let's recap: Nintendo recently announced Mario Kart World, introducing the Moo Moo Meadows Cow as a playable racer. The internet has understandably exploded with excitement, spawning countless memes and fan artworks celebrating this former background character's dramatic promotion.

An Unexpected Dietary Dilemma

However, eagle-eyed fans quickly spotted a potential ethical quandary in Wednesday's Nintendo Direct 2 trailer. When Mario eats a burger (traditionally beef-based), some wondered: Would Cow, whose species essentially represents the source material for beef, partake in beef consumption herself? The philosophical implications kept fans awake at night.

"Imagine if the cow gets a transformation costume."

During Nintendo's preview event, we finally got answers. The food items shown in the trailer are available at Yoshi's diner locations throughout courses — functioning like drive-thrus where racers can grab takeout bags similar to item boxes. The menus feature burgers, steak kebabs, pizza, donuts, and more.

And absolutely, unequivocally, Cow eats them all.

Yes, Cow CAN eat steak in Mario Kart World. pic.twitter.com/qN5PZ9IIM4

Our hands-on session confirmed Cow happily consumes burgers and other meats. While other racers transform when eating these items, Cow shows no visible changes. This raises profound questions: Does she simply enjoy beef-based cuisine? Is there a hidden power-up Nintendo hasn't revealed? Or perhaps these are plant-based alternatives?

IGN has contacted Nintendo for clarification (because obviously this deserves serious journalistic investigation), though as of publishing we've received no response. They're probably busy with their New York event - surely not because this is an absurd PR inquiry. Right?

For more wholesome Cow content, check out our Mario Kart World preview featuring our bovine friend in action.