The Nintendo Switch 2 got an official Nintendo-branded reveal this week, and what fans expect to be Mario Kart 9 showed a little bit of what’s next for the racing franchise.
Nintendo has officially revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 after countless rumours, leaks and speculation. The small trailer that released this week showed that most of the leaks were on point including the magnetized joy-con connectivity, and reports the console would be a smidge larger than the original Switch. During the reveal, Nintendo teased the next entry in their racing franchise, and fans are already calling it Mario Kart 9. The Nintendo Switch 2 (and Mario Kart 9) trailer can be seen below.
While even the Mario Kart 9 title remains unofficial, the brief game teaser showcased a myriad of details regarding what could be the next entry in the racing series. It’s important to note, Nintendo has used tech demos in the past during console reveals (The Legend of Zelda had a tech demo for Wii U during E3 2011, which never released as a full title) so fans should take all speculation with a grain of salt.
The latest release on the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, deployed 12 racers on the track at once the most in franchise history. However, the ‘Mario Kart 9’ shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal showcased a track with space for a potential 24 racers on one track. It could be argued that the lines are there for spacing between drivers, but later in the reveal closing gameplay clips show what appears to be 14 karts on track at once.
Returning characters are spread out over the Nintendo Switch 2 display, and the list includes Mario, Luigi, Waluigi, Wario, Bowser, Yoshi, Toad, Peach, Daisy, Rosalina and Pauline. However, Donkey Kong also appears in the trailer and he seems to have undergone a redesign consistent with how he originally appeared, or how he appeared in the Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Fans have taken to the internet (namely Reddit) to voice their opinions on the new design of Donkey Kong. In the main “Donkey Kong Got A Redesign For The Next Mario Kart” thread, fans have speculated on which direction the design goes in. User AnimuStewshine said “I think since the movie they have been slowly transitioning DK to a new default design: rounder, softer features and overall bulkier than before.” Other users on the thread have commented he appears to embrace the classic design from before RARE’s Donkey Kong Country series in 1994.
Lastly, full kart customization appears to make a return in the ninth installment, and Rosalina does appear in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay appearing to drive a snowmobile complete with treads as tires (this kart option can also be seen in the mobile title, Mario Kart Tour). Seeing as how the entire shape of the vehicle Rosalina’s driving is shaped like the triangle treads. Those treads wouldn’t necessarily fit on a standard kart like previous entries’ one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s very possible vehicle type selection could be an new integral part of strategizing for Grand Prix racing.
It’s worth noting Nintendo has not made any announcement confirming the gameplay shown in the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer is an official Mario Kart title, and it’s possible the next entry in the franchise will not be called Mario Kart 9. Until an official announcement is made fans can only speculate, at least until the forecasted April 2, 2025 direct airs.
