Summary

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 trailer featured the supposed return of Mario Kart TV from Mario Kart 8.
  • The feature that replaced past entries' Replay Mode was identified by the yellow satellite van sporting the MKTV logo, with Toad filming on top of the vehicle.
  • Speculated Mario Kart 9 footage in the Switch 2 trailer hints at a substantial character roster from day one.

Following the internet-breaking debut of the Nintendo Switch 2 console and a peek at the next Mario Kart game, fans of the popular racing franchise have spotted a welcome returning feature from Mario Kart 8. The racing game was released over ten years ago in 2014, followed by a re-release on the Nintendo Switch in 2017 titled Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which included the DLC content for free plus a reformed battle mode.

After months of rumors and leaks adding to the hype of the Japanese publisher’s successor console, Nintendo finally announced the Switch 2 through a short trailer. Included in the update, gamers got a preview of what’s next for everyone’s favorite racing game, and the upcoming Mario Kart entry is set to make big changes while retaining some fan-favorite features.

Donkey Kong gets new look for Switch 2 Mario Kart
Mario Kart Switch 2 Game Makes Big Change to Donkey Kong

The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal shows Donkey Kong's next Mario Kart appearance and highlights a particular change for the character.

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Posted on Twitter by Joy-Con Drift 2, a few screenshots were posted from the new Switch 2 trailer for the social media community. The images teased the return of the popular Mario Kart TV (MKTV) feature from Mario Kart 8, with the inclusion of the yellow satellite van joined by a Purple Toad on top of the van filming footage of the ongoing race. In contrast to the returning feature, the next Mario Kart game will also make a big improvement to races by seemingly increasing the player count to 24, which is double the amount featured in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with all the more spectacular moments to capture by MKTV.

Nintendo Fans Spot Returning Mario Kart 8 Feature in Switch 2 Trailer

Leaning further into the upcoming roster, Rosalina appears to be driving a new snowmobile vehicle in the Mario Kart title, which is likely one of many character and vehicle changes coming to the next installment. One way for players to see these character and vehicle quirks in action was to utilize MKTV to spectate race highlights. The fictional news station replaced Replay Mode from past entries in the franchise, responsible for capturing drivers from all angles and compiling a Highlight Reel at the end of races, which usually showcased the most entertaining and brutal parts.

The game featured in the Switch 2 trailer is assumed to be the first footage from the anticipated Mario Kart 9 entry, and the rumored lobby size could be a massive plus for the Mario Kart franchise. For one, it means the day-one character roster is likely to be quite substantial, and secondly, racers can expect more characters to be added to the game’s potential DLC content, assuming the successor title follows the same release pattern as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tag Page Cover Art

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
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Racing
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Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
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Released
April 27, 2017
ESRB
e
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Franchise
Mario Kart
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WHERE TO PLAY

PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

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