.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=480&h=270&dpr=1.5)
A lot of leaks surrounding Mario Kart 9 have focused on the additional features that the game might bring. Mario Kart 9 will reportedly be loaded with Nintendo crossover characters, which sounds like a pretty dramatic change for the Super Mario spinoff franchise. Aside from potential new content like drivers and courses from non-Mario franchises, however, fans want to know how Mario Kart 9 will handle the fundamentals of the series. For instance, in recent years, Mario Kart fans have gained the power to customize the wheels, body, and glider attached to their kart, giving them vastly more control over how their character feels on the racetrack.
Since kart customization has a positive reputation among Mario Kart fans, odds are good that it'll stay, but ideally the feature will evolve in the next game. It won't be enough if Nintendo simply adds more kart types and wheels to choose from during customization; ideally, Mario Kart 9 will feature some entirely new customization mechanics that give fans more control over each vehicle's statistics, as well as their appearances. Surprising new additions to the Mario Kart character roster will feel more meaningful if Mario Kart 9 comes equipped with some significant mechanical changes too.
Upgrading the Mario Kart Customization Tools
At the moment, Mario Kart's customization system is pretty simple, since players only have control over three basic parts of their vehicle. Mario Kart 9 could go a little further than that by separating certain segments of the kart's body. For instance, Mario Kart 9 might let players choose an engine that affects the vehicle's acceleration, speed, and weight, whereas the choice of a steering wheel could have a major impact on handling. As long as Nintendo still offers some basic presets that players who aren't interested in customization can choose from, a more vehicle-focused Mario Kart game paired with a wider character roster could be pretty compelling.
Aside from more mechanical depth, a kart editing update ought to give fans more control over what their karts look like. The various shapes that Mario Kart vehicles already come in are fun, but they could be even more entertaining if players can paint them to their liking. Nintendo could also consider letting players put small unlockable details and accessories on their karts to change its physical appearance. Even if Mario Kart 9 merely offers a few different color palettes and details based on its Nintendo crossover franchises, paint jobs and accessories seem like a logical upgrade.
Mario Kart 9 Needs to Keep Growing
Odds seem good that kart customization will come back in Mario Kart 9. The mechanic received praise when it premiered in Mario Kart 7, and since then, multiple Mario Kart games have incorporated the mechanic as well. Unless Nintendo wants to simplify dramatically in Mario Kart 9 for the sake of its Nintendo crossover characters' vehicles, kart customization will probably return. Still, Nintendo can't simply reinstate the mechanic. Mario Kart 9 should find ways to make kart customization even more rewarding and compelling so that the feature feels fresh again.
The Mario Kart franchise is generally slow to grow and change. While it occasionally dips its toe into major new mechanics, like Mario Kart: Double Dash!! With its paired drivers, but in most ways, the franchise plays the same as it always has. That's not a bad thing, since new Mario Kart courses and items supply a lot of variety already. Mario Kart 9 doesn't have to reinvent the franchise in order to feel mechanically compelling. Still, after so many years without a new Mario Kart game, Nintendo ought to come up with some way to shake up Mario Kart mechanics and get players excited, even if it's relatively minor. Kart customization seems like a prime department for change in Mario Kart 9.
Mario Kart 9 is rumored to be in development.