Nintendo Teases New Mario Kart Game for Switch 2

KYOTO, Japan — Nintendo has given fans a tantalizing glimpse of what appears to be a brand-new Mario Kart game during its recent Nintendo Switch 2 reveal. The brief footage, showcased in the console’s trailer, features an unfamiliar desert highway track and redesigned karts, sparking speculation that the long-awaited Mario Kart 9 is finally on the horizon.

The gameplay snippet shows iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser racing on a never-before-seen course. The track includes unique elements such as a Yoshi‘s Diner, NPC vehicles driving in the opposite direction, and an audience of cheering Toads. The karts themselves appear more compact and rounded compared to those in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, suggesting a fresh design direction.

While Nintendo has not officially confirmed the existence of a new Mario Kart game, the footage strongly hints at a new installment. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, released in 2017, remains the best-selling Nintendo Switch game of all time, making the prospect of a successor highly anticipated by fans.

The trailer’s visuals also indicate a shift in animation style, drawing comparisons to the vibrant and dynamic look of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This change could signal a significant evolution for the franchise, which has not seen a new mainline entry since 2014.

Nintendo has announced a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event scheduled for April 2, 2025, where more details about the console and its launch lineup are expected to be revealed. The Switch 2 itself is slated for release later this year, with rumors suggesting that the new Mario Kart game could be a launch title.

For now, fans are left to dissect the brief footage and speculate about what the next chapter in the Mario Kart series will bring. Whether it’s new tracks, characters, or gameplay mechanics, one thing is certain: the excitement for Mario Kart’s future is revving up.