The Nintendo Switch 2's launch line-up has been a hot topic of discussion among fans ever since the console was first rumored. Despite finally being officially revealed, the Nintendo Switch 2's launch day roster is still shrouded in mystery, but at least one new game seems to have been confirmed for the upcoming Nintendo console, and that's a new Mario Kart entry.
Teased rather nonchalantly towards the end of the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer, the next Mario Kart looks to be making some intriguing changes to the series' tried and tested formula. And to make the most of these changes, and to really deliver the biggest entry in franchise history, Nintendo Switch 2's Mario Kart might want to peek in the same Pandora's Box that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate flung open.
Mario Kart 9: 8 Things The Sequel Needs To Keep From Mario Kart 8
Here's what Mario Kart 8 did right, that Mario Kart 9 should keep as part of the formula.
Nintendo Switch 2's Mario Kart Should Take a Page Out of Smash Bros. Ultimate's Playbook
Nintendo Switch 2's Mario Kart Could Be The Biggest Entry to Date
Though it was shown on-screen for less than 20 seconds in total, many fans think they've spotted some major changes coming with Nintendo Switch 2's Mario Kart. The opening shot of Mario Kart's mini-reveal showed the pre-race start-up screen that fans are all too familiar with. But things were a little different.
Along with what seemed to be a new desert-themed track, this start-up shot revealed a much busier pre-match screen, depicting a total of 24 grids on the track as opposed to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's 12. Many fans have taken this to mean that Nintendo Switch 2's Mario Kart will see 24 racers compete at one time.
Though this doubled player-count hasn't been confirmed by Nintendo, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that this next Mario Kart entry will be increasing the series' usual scope. A few overhead shots of the new desert-themed track seem to depict a much wider track layout than fans are used to, and a brief glimpse of what appears to be a gas station pit stop has some fans theorizing about some kind of fuel mechanic, which in turn has led to theories that claim the next Mario Kart's tracks will be much longer and more open than previous entries.
It seems as though the next Mario Kart could be attempting to be the most ambitious entry to date, and it would make sense for that ambition to lead to a much larger roster of drivers than fans are accustomed to.
The Next Mario Kart Should Lean All The Way Into Crossover Characters
If the next Mario Kart is going to have a larger roster, then it should look to Nintendo franchises other than Mario to fill those additional spots. Mario Kart 8 has already dabbled with crossover characters, adding The Legend of Zelda's Link, Animal Crossing's Villagers and Isabelle, and Splatoon's Inklings. But that's just scratching the surface of Nintendo's vast library of IP.
It could be fun to see the next Mario Kart add drivers from Metroid, Kirby, Starfox, Pikmin, and even Pokemon, potentially along with some tracks inspired by their worlds. Nintendo Switch 2's Mario Kart could even go full Smash Bros. Ultimate and bring characters from other gaming franchises to the table. It might take a lot of effort to add these crossover characters to Mario Kart, but it could be just the thing to make this new entry feel like the next major evolution of the franchise, which is just what the Switch 2's launch line-up needs.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- April 27, 2017
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Mario Kart
WHERE TO PLAY
Burn rubber across Mushroom Kingdom raceways—underwater, in the sky, upside-down in zero-g, and past the finish—for the win! Get revved up for local multiplayer, online in-game tournaments, a revamped battle mode, and more!
Stay fresh in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game by playing as guest characters Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy! You can use their Splatoon inspired karts on their battle mode stage, Urchin Underpass. There are also returning items, like Boo, the item-stealing ghost, and the Feather, used exclusively in battle mode. Veterans rejoice—you can hold two items at once! Prove you’re the world’s best racer and battler in online tournaments, or simply race and battle friends online. With many control options and handheld mode, there’s always a way to play on the Nintendo Switch system!
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Racing
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
