The Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer has given fans their first glimpse of what appears to be Mario Kart 9. While brief, the footage has sparked excitement and speculation about the next installment in Nintendo’s beloved racing series. Here’s what we’ve discovered so far.
Mario Kart 9 is the Launch Title for Switch 2?
The trailer positions Mario Kart 9 as a central feature of the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup, much like how The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild accompanied the original Switch.
Whether it launches alongside the console or follows shortly after remains unclear, but all signs point to it being a major release for the new platform.
At first glance, Mario Kart 9 may look similar to its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. However, closer inspection reveals significant improvements in detail and technical sophistication:
- Character and Vehicle Models: Mario’s facial features and the grooves on his tires are now rendered in higher detail, moving beyond simple textures to polygonal precision.
- Dynamic Environments: Tracks and surroundings are richer and more lifelike. For instance, in a desert-themed track, the sand at the track’s edge looks as detailed as the asphalt, a stark improvement from the stylized backgrounds of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Expansive Backdrops: The trailer showcases vast environments filled with mountains, vegetation, and iconic Mario-style constructions, giving the impression of racing within a living world rather than on isolated tracks.
This has led to speculation about potential open-world elements akin to Forza Horizon, though such features remain unconfirmed. The detailed landscapes may simply highlight the increased graphical power of the Switch 2.
New animations and a fresh visual style
One of the standout features of the trailer is the upgraded animations, which now feel more fluid and expressive. Drawing inspiration from Super Mario Bros. Wonder, characters exhibit cartoonish, exaggerated movements:
- Mario’s car stretches and compresses as it hits bumps, his mouth forms an “O,” and his hat tilts in response to the motion.
- Donkey Kong’s updated design matches his appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with softer features and a more approachable look.
This combination of enhanced animations and a slightly more cartoonish aesthetic creates a visual style reminiscent of animated films, offering a playful yet polished experience.
Expanded gameplay: 24 Racers on the track
One of the most notable gameplay changes is the increase in the number of racers, from 12 in previous games to 24. The starting grid now features four rows of six competitors. This raises intriguing questions about how Nintendo will balance items like shells, bananas, and lightning bolts with so many players in a single race.
To accommodate the larger roster, tracks appear wider, suggesting a fundamental change in track design philosophy.
Classic elements such as item boxes, speed boosts, and power slides make their return, as do bikes and other vehicles. The trailer also hints at new features:
- Changing Tracks: Roads appear to split into multiple paths, potentially signaling dynamic courses similar to those in Mario Kart Tour.
- New Items: A glowing yellow object seen in the trailer has sparked speculation that it could be a Wonder Flower, referencing Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
- Pit Stops: A “Flower” dispenser spotted along the track raises questions about the potential inclusion of pit stops, possibly adding a strategic layer to races.
What’s Missing?
Elements like anti-gravity sections, underwater areas, and glider mechanics—staples of the series since Mario Kart 7—were not shown in the trailer. However, their absence could simply be due to the limited scope of the preview.
Nintendo plans to reveal more about Mario Kart 9 during a dedicated Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025. Fans are eager to learn whether the game will include an open-world hub, new game modes, or other innovations to build on the expanded scale hinted at in the trailer.
