After more than a decade of waiting (and probably a few lost friendships along the way), it looks like Nintendo is finally gearing up to drop Mario Kart 9.
Nothing matches the wacky racer for pure multiplayer fun. From nailing a turbo drift to planting that perfectly placed banana peel, Mario Kart is the ultimate mix of skill, sabotage, and dumb luck.
And, let’s not forget those epic shortcuts – because who hasn’t risked it all on a death-defying leap on Rainbow Road? Despite all its madcap antics, some players take Mario Kart very seriously. For the hardcore crowd, building the perfect kart isn’t just about choosing matching parts – it’s a finely honed science.
Sure, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was a blast but, if we’re being real, it was just a spruced-up Wii U port. That console was a monumental flop, but Nintendo’s strategy of recycling its gems for the Switch gave Mario Kart 8 new life. Hence, the whopping 10-year gap between entries – and, no, we’re not including Mario Kart Tour.
Mario Kart 9 release date: When is the Switch 2 game coming out?
The good news is, the drought could soon be over. Nintendo just previewed a new Mario Kart game during its Switch 2 reveal.
The Switch 2 was showcased in a promotional video alongside a new Mario Kart game, which could be the first new installment in the series in 10 years (Nintendo)
Since the console looks like a bigger, possibly more powerful version of its predecessor, it might seem a bit underwhelming for those expecting the same ingenuity as the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Labo.
A massive launch title will therefore be crucial to carry it. And, they don’t come much bigger than Mario Kart. After all, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is Nintendo’s second-most popular game of all time, behind Wii Sports.
So, when can we expect the latest instalment? Well, if it is synced to the Switch 2’s launch, Mario Kart 9 could release in June, 2025. That’s when the new console is widely expected to land.
Mario leads the pack in a teaser of the new Mario Kart game coming to Switch 2 (Nintendo)
And, you may even be able to sample it at the Switch 2 demo events Nintendo is holding in the spring. The London leg of the console’s global tour takes place between April 11 to 13 (you can find out how to snag tickets here).
Mario Kart 9 characters, features, and Easter eggs
Although the teaser we saw lasted barely 20 seconds, it was enough time for Mario Kart fans to uncover plenty of juicy details about the new game.
New and returning characters
The first thing we spotted was Mario in first position, trailed by a familiar gang of iconic characters. Luigi was tailgating his brother, followed by Peach, Toad, Daisy and Rosalina.
Meanwhile, the Super Mario Wiki lists a total of 24 characters from the clip, some of which look too grainy to identify. That’s also how many positions are on the starting line, leading some to believe that Mario Kart 9 could feature 24-player races.
Alongside the aforementioned cast members, and their baby versions, others include Yoshi, Bowser, Wario, Koopa Troopa, Pauline, Waluigi, Toadette, Lakitu, King Boo, Shy Guy, Birdo, and Donkey Kong. Notably, the big ape appears to have a retro design that harks back to his original arcade appearance.
Cheering on the drivers from the sidelines were more Shy Guys, Sledge Bros, Toads and Yoshis.
By comparison, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features 48 total playable characters, including familiar faces from Splatoon, Zelda, and Animal Crossing.
Throwback karts with new accessories
Donkey Kong’s look isn’t the only old-school design choice in the game. Fans also think Toad’s kart is a spitting image of the Monster Buggy from the cover of 1988’s Famicom Grand Prix 2, which was only released in Japan. Perhaps that means we could see more vehicles from classic Nintendo games in Mario Kart 9.
In addition, Rosalina was glimpsed behind the wheel of a kart with tank-like tires – hinting at the inclusion of new accessories.
A new Desert map
In the clip, the racers can be seen skidding around a new level that looks like a Desert map. Slap bang in the middle of this dustbowl is a four-lane motorway that stretches out to the distance, where rock formations are dotted across the horizon like mushroom clouds.
Two paths lead off the main road, and we see the gang taking a shortcut at one stage. On the side of the road is a diner called Yoshi’s, with a sign featuring the cute dino in a chef’s hat with his tongue sticking out as if he’s about to gobble up a Goomba burger. Can we get a blue mushroom shake to go?
New power-ups
Under the canopy of this pit-stop appears to be a mysterious shiny object. Naturally, players are guessing it’s a new power-up – one of the most exciting predictions being a Yellow Wonder Seed, like those found in the desert levels of Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
For the uninitiated, Wonder Seeds are used to reverse the effects of Wonder Flowers, which can flip levels on their heads, wreaking havoc with gravity or unleashing a herd of blue bison. If Wonder Seeds are making their debut in the Mario Kart universe, it’s only logical to assume Wonder Flowers might be along for the ride, too.
the new mario kart desert course appears to have a wonder seed, a yellow seed.
yellow wonder seeds were found in the desert levels of mario wonder. y’all… Y’ALL??? pic.twitter.com/9VlzUcpi2a
— JOLLY J✨ (@DynamoSuperX) January 16, 2025
A Joy-Con steering wheel for added immersion
The final clue about Mario Kart 9 doesn’t come from the Switch 2 trailer. In the lead-up to the new console’s reveal, a leaked Switch 2 steering-wheel accessory surfaced that seemed tailor-made for the new racing game.
The peripheral, reportedly from a third-party manufacturer, was never confirmed by Nintendo. Still, it bore a striking resemblance to the classic Wii steering wheel, with a Joy-Con slot in the centre, letting players steer their karts by tilting the wheel side to side.
What better way to gain the upper hand over your pals than with a slick new gadget?