The Mario Kart series has been a beloved franchise for Nintendo fans for decades, with each new installment bringing excitement and innovation to the world of kart racing. The latest title, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, has been a massive success, but as the years go by, fans are starting to wonder: will they make a Mario Kart 9?
Why a Mario Kart 9 Makes Sense
Before we dive into the possibilities of a new Mario Kart game, let’s take a step back and examine why a Mario Kart 9 makes sense. The Mario Kart series has been a cash cow for Nintendo, with each new title selling millions of copies worldwide. The franchise has a dedicated fan base, and the series has evolved over the years to include new features, tracks, and gameplay mechanics.
One of the main reasons a Mario Kart 9 would be a smart move for Nintendo is the success of the Switch console. The Switch has been a phenomenal success, and the Mario Kart series has been a major contributor to its popularity. A new Mario Kart title would not only appeal to existing fans but also attract new players to the Switch ecosystem.
Additionally, the Mario Kart series has always been a system-seller for Nintendo consoles. A new title would provide a significant boost to Switch sales, which could help Nintendo maintain its lead in the gaming market.
Where Does Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Leave Off?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was released in 2017 and has received numerous updates and DLC packs since its initial launch. The game has a massive player base, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. However, the game is now over four years old, and fans are starting to crave something new.
The last major update for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was the “Booster Course Pass,” which added new tracks and characters to the game. While this update was well-received, it’s clear that fans are looking for a more substantial upgrade.
Possible Features and Improvements in Mario Kart 9
If Nintendo were to announce a Mario Kart 9, what features and improvements could we expect? Here are a few possibilities:
New Tracks and Characters
A new Mario Kart title would likely include new tracks, characters, and karts. This could include new Mario franchise characters, such as Toadette or King Boo, as well as new tracks based on popular Mario games, like Super Mario Odyssey or New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
Possible New Tracks:
- A track based on the kingdom of Bowser from Super Mario Odyssey
- A track set in the Mushroom Kingdom from New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Enhanced Graphics and Performance
The Switch has improved significantly since the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and a new title could take advantage of these improvements. This could include enhanced graphics, smoother performance, and support for higher resolutions.
Improved Multiplayer and Online Features
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a solid online mode, but a new title could improve upon this feature. This could include new multiplayer modes, such as a “battle royale” style mode or a more comprehensive ranked online system.
New Gameplay Mechanics and Items
A new Mario Kart title could introduce new gameplay mechanics and items to shake up the traditional Mario Kart formula. This could include new power-ups, such as a “shield” item that protects players from incoming attacks, or a “speed boost” item that gives players a temporary speed advantage.
The Competition: How Mario Kart 9 Could Compare to Other Kart Racing Games
The kart racing genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with titles like Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled and Team Sonic Racing offering a fresh take on the classic Mario Kart formula. A Mario Kart 9 would need to compete with these titles and offer something new and innovative to stand out.
One area where Mario Kart 9 could differentiate itself is through its exclusive features and characters. The Mario Kart series has always been known for its charm and personality, and a new title could build upon this by including more character customization options, new multiplayer modes, and exclusive tracks and characters.
What the Competition Is Doing Right
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled and Team Sonic Racing have both received critical acclaim for their take on the kart racing genre. Here are a few areas where Mario Kart 9 could learn from the competition:
Customization Options:
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled offers a deep customization system, allowing players to customize their karts and characters with a wide range of options. Mario Kart 9 could build upon this by offering more customization options, such as the ability to create custom tracks or characters.
New Gameplay Mechanics:
Team Sonic Racing introduced a new “team racing” mechanic, where players work together to earn points and complete objectives. Mario Kart 9 could introduce new gameplay mechanics like this to shake up the traditional Mario Kart formula.
The Future of Mario Kart: What We Know So Far
While there has been no official announcement from Nintendo about a Mario Kart 9, there have been some hints and rumors about the future of the series.
In an interview with Nintendo’s Shinya Takahashi, the developer hinted that the Mario Kart series could see a new direction in the future. Takahashi stated that the team was “thinking about” a new Mario Kart title, but no further details were provided.
Additionally, a recent patent filing from Nintendo suggests that the company may be working on a new Mario Kart game. The patent filing describes a new “driving simulation game” that includes features like customizable karts and tracks, as well as a “spectator mode” that allows players to watch and interact with other players.
What We Can Expect from a Mario Kart 9 Announcement
If Nintendo were to announce a Mario Kart 9, we could expect a major marketing push to promote the game. This could include trailers, gameplay demos, and hands-on preview events.
Additionally, Nintendo may reveal more information about the game’s features, tracks, and characters through social media and online channels.
Conclusion
While there has been no official announcement from Nintendo about a Mario Kart 9, the signs are pointing towards a new title in the series. With the success of the Switch and the popularity of the Mario Kart franchise, it makes sense for Nintendo to release a new title that builds upon the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
If a Mario Kart 9 were to be announced, we could expect a game that builds upon the traditional Mario Kart formula while introducing new features, tracks, and characters. The competition in the kart racing genre is heating up, and a new Mario Kart title would need to offer something new and innovative to stand out.
For now, fans can only speculate about the future of the Mario Kart series. One thing is certain, however: when Nintendo does announce a Mario Kart 9, it will be a major event that will send shockwaves throughout the gaming community.
When is Mario Kart 9 expected to be released?
The release date of Mario Kart 9 is not officially confirmed by Nintendo, but based on the pattern of previous Mario Kart game releases, it’s likely to happen in 2023 or 2024. The last Mario Kart game, Mario Kart Tour, was released in 2019, and typically, Nintendo releases a new Mario Kart game every 3-4 years.
Additionally, there have been rumors floating around about Nintendo working on a new Mario Kart game, which has sparked excitement among gamers. However, it’s essential to wait for an official announcement from Nintendo to confirm the release date.
Will Mario Kart 9 be available on the Nintendo Switch?
It’s highly likely that Mario Kart 9 will be released on the Nintendo Switch, given the console’s massive popularity and the fact that the Switch is still going strong. The Switch has been a phenomenal success, and it’s the perfect platform for a Mario Kart game.
In addition, the Switch has a built-in multiplayer feature, making it an ideal platform for a racing game like Mario Kart. The Switch’s portability and local multiplayer capabilities will allow players to enjoy Mario Kart 9 with friends and family on the go or in the comfort of their own homes.
What new features can we expect in Mario Kart 9?
Mario Kart 9 is expected to introduce several new features to enhance the gaming experience. One of the most anticipated features is a revamped battle mode, which has been lacking in recent Mario Kart games.
Additionally, there might be new track designs, characters, and karts, as well as improved graphics and sound effects. Other possibilities include new game modes, customizable karts, and maybe even a dedicated esports mode. With the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo will likely build upon its strengths and add exciting new features to Mario Kart 9.
Will Mario Kart 9 have a story mode?
Although Mario Kart games have traditionally focused on multiplayer and racing, there’s a possibility that Mario Kart 9 might include a story mode or a single-player campaign. This could add a new layer of depth to the game and provide a fresh experience for players.
A story mode could involve a narrative where Mario and friends compete in racing tournaments, with cutscenes and dialogue adding to the storyline. Alternatively, it could be a series of challenges or missions that players must complete to progress through the game.
Can we expect online multiplayer improvements in Mario Kart 9?
Online multiplayer has been a crucial aspect of Mario Kart games, and Mario Kart 9 is likely to improve upon this feature.
With the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s online multiplayer, Nintendo is expected to enhance the online experience in Mario Kart 9. This could include features like dedicated servers, improved matchmaking, and more customization options for online races. Additionally, there might be new modes or features that take advantage of the Switch’s online capabilities.
Will Mario Kart 9 be a launch title for the next Nintendo console?
It’s possible that Mario Kart 9 could be a launch title for the next Nintendo console, whenever that may be. Historically, Nintendo has released Mario Kart games alongside new console launches, as seen with Mario Kart 8 and the Wii U.
However, this is purely speculation, and Nintendo has not confirmed any details about a new console or Mario Kart 9’s launch timing. If Mario Kart 9 is released as a launch title, it would likely be a major selling point for the new console.
Will Mario Kart 9 have VR support?
Given the rise of virtual reality (VR) gaming, it’s possible that Mario Kart 9 might incorporate VR support, especially since the Nintendo Switch has VR capabilities.
However, this is still uncertain, and Nintendo has not announced any concrete plans for VR support in Mario Kart 9. If VR support is included, it would likely be an optional feature, allowing players to experience the thrill of Mario Kart racing in a more immersive way.