Get ready to rev your engines! The rumor mill is churning with exciting news about Mario Kart 9, potentially launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. From whispers of chaotic 24-player races to glimpses of new tracks and characters, we’re breaking down everything we know (and think we know) about the next installment of this beloved racing franchise.
Confirmed and Rumored: Unpacking the Mario Kart 9 Buzz
Nintendo’s Switch 2 reveal trailer offered a tantalizing, albeit brief, look at what appears to be Mario Kart gameplay. While not explicitly labeled as Mario Kart 9, the footage showcases elements that strongly suggest a new entry in the series. This has ignited a firestorm of speculation, and we’re here to sift through the facts and rumors.
What We Know (Probably)
- New Track: The trailer showcased a dusty, Wild West-themed track, tentatively dubbed “Mario Bros. Circuit,” which appears significantly wider than previous Mario Kart tracks. This fuels speculation about larger races.
- Returning Favorites: Classic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Waluigi were spotted, indicating a return of familiar faces.
- Release Window: Nintendo has confirmed a 2025 release window for Mario Kart 9 on the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Juicy Rumors
- 24-Player Races: The most significant rumor revolves around a potential 24-player race mode. This would be a dramatic shift from the traditional 12-player format.
- Enhanced Kart Customization: Hints suggest a deeper level of kart customization, possibly including distinct vehicle classes with unique upgrade paths.
- New Characters: Speculation abounds regarding potential newcomers to the roster, including Koopa Troopa, Birdo, Baby Rosalina, and Bowser Jr.
- Yoshi’s Diner: Mentions of “Yoshi’s Diner” raise questions about whether it’s a new track, a section within “Mario Bros. Circuit,” or something else entirely.
- June 2025 Launch: Rumors point towards a June 2025 release, coinciding with the rumored Switch 2 launch window. Several leakers like Average Lucia Fanatic and Nate the Hate also speculate an April/May 2025 release date.
24-Player Mayhem: Game Changer or Chaos?
The possibility of 24-player races is arguably the most exciting – and potentially game-changing – rumor surrounding Mario Kart 9. Imagine the sheer chaos of two dozen karts battling for first place, shells flying, bananas littering the track, and blue shells raining down.
Potential Benefits
- Unprecedented Scale: 24-player races would bring an entirely new level of excitement and unpredictability to the Mario Kart experience.
- New Strategic Dimensions: The increased player count could significantly alter race dynamics and item strategies.
- Expanded Track Design: Wider tracks could offer more opportunities for maneuvering, overtaking, and strategic routing.
Potential Challenges
- Technical Hurdles: Can the Switch 2 handle 24 players online without performance issues? Will the servers hold up?
- Overwhelming Chaos: Could the sheer number of racers make the game too chaotic and detract from the core gameplay?
- Gameplay Balance: Will existing items and mechanics need rebalancing to accommodate 24 players?
New Tracks and Characters: What Awaits?
Beyond the potential 24-player mayhem, Mario Kart 9 likely introduces new tracks and characters to the mix. While “Mario Bros. Circuit” offers a glimpse of one new environment, the possibilities are endless. Could we see underwater courses, anti-gravity tracks through space, or perhaps even courses inspired by other Nintendo franchises?
The character roster also promises some exciting additions. While fan favorites will undoubtedly return, speculation about newcomers like Koopa Troopa, Birdo, and Baby Rosalina adds another layer of anticipation.
Rumored Character Roster
Here’s a look at the current state of the Mario Kart 9 roster, separating confirmed returning characters from rumored additions:
| Character | Status |
|---|---|
| Mario | Confirmed |
| Luigi | Confirmed |
| Peach | Confirmed |
| Daisy | Confirmed |
| Yoshi | Confirmed |
| Bowser | Confirmed |
| Toad | Confirmed |
| Toadette | Confirmed |
| Pauline | Confirmed |
| Baby Mario | Confirmed |
| Baby Luigi | Confirmed |
| Rosalina | Confirmed |
| Wario | Confirmed |
| Waluigi | Confirmed |
| Donkey Kong | Confirmed |
| Koopa Troopa | Rumored |
| Goomba | Rumored |
| Birdo | Rumored |
| King Boo | Rumored |
| Lakitu | Rumored |
| Shy Guy | Rumored |
| Baby Rosalina | Rumored |
| Bowser Jr. | Rumored |
The Road Ahead
While much of the information surrounding Mario Kart 9 remains speculative, the whispers and glimpses we’ve seen so far paint a picture of a potentially revolutionary entry in the series. As Nintendo releases more information, we’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest news and confirmed details. Stay tuned!
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