Following the latest release of the Booster Course Pass and the hype behind each wave yet to come,Mario Kart 8 Deluxeis continuing to thrive on the Switch. Its popularity proves to still be alive and kicking since the Wii U version’s original inception back in 2014. While its longevity seems assured thanks to the new DLC Nintendo is introducing toMario Kart 8 Deluxe, speculation has begun to turn to the future of the franchise and when fans might see the next installment in the series.
Though still unconfirmed at the moment, rumors and stories have been circulating thatMario Kart 9is in the early stages of development,leading many to anticipate what additions or changes could be made to the game alongside how a new entry could innovate on its predecessors. With Nintendo’s latest efforts to bring old tracks from previous games back to the present, it seems that the studio could take further inspiration from the principles thatSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatebrought with its own development both before and after its release on the Switch.
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The Current Mario Kart Situation
Mario Kart 8was initially released onthe Wii U, but as other studios were leading the industry with next-gen consoles and the Wii U’s overall popularity and reputation were struggling to keep up, the writing appeared to be on the wall. Fortunately, once the Switch became Nintendo’s new flagship console, an updated and enhanced version of the game was released on the platform, just a month after the Switch’s launch in 2017, starting the current reign ofMario Kart 8 Deluxe. Following its transition to the Switch, the game has enjoyed a long lifespan, especially if counting its days on the Wii U, but as most newMario Kartentries emerge periodically every few years, a new game is high in players' expectations.
The announcement and subsequent release of the Booster Course Pass and its multiple waves of content has given Nintendo some breathing room to tide fans over untilMario Kart 9 can officially be confirmed,should the rumors and leaks prove true. However, while the addition of older courses from previousMario Kartgames may buy some borrowed time for Nintendo, it is unintentionally setting the standard thatMario Kart 9will have to follow. This is whereSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatecomes in and can provide a helpful blueprint to crowningMario Kart 9as the successor it has the potential to be.
Lessons from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Over the course of the announcement and release ofSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, the game led its advertising campaign with the tagline “Everyone is here!” In short, the game elevated itself above previous entries by essentially including all previous content, including characters, levels, and more. The parallels of this are remarkably similar to what the Booster Course Pass appears to be doing forMario Kart, drawing onretroMario Kartcoursesto appeal to nostalgic fans who are happy to see previous games getting some recognition. IfMario Kart 9aims to improve onMario Kart 8 Deluxe,as any sequel ought to, then it will need to follow the same idea asSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.
This will entail bringing back all courses,Super Mariocharacters, power-ups, and more from previous games, and then continuing to add even more additional content asUltimatedid up to its release. Through further DLC or Booster Passes like the expansions forUltimate,Mario Kart 9could add even more characters or courses never before seen inMario Kart, helping to prolong the game’s popularity and mitigate any challenges during development. Overall, capitalizing on the same approach thatUltimateused,as well as building on the standard fromMario Kart 8 Deluxeand its Booster Course Pass, could establishMario Kart 9as one of the best entries to the series yet.
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What Should Be Expected From Mario Kart 9
While blue sky thinking could certainly help design the perfectMario Kartgame for fans, according to current leaks Nintendo is still in the throes of early development, and it would seem already have ideas it is exploring further asleaks hint at new twists forMario Kart 9.Super Smash Bros. Ultimatepromised an ambitious scope for its own franchise, and it is unclear if Nintendo would be prepared to take a similar risk forMario Kart, as previous entries have focused less on presenting as much content as possible and instead provide a refined, polished playing experience.
In addition to this, thanks to the latest games within theSuper Mariofranchise,Mario Kart 9has an even bigger canon to draw from that could promiseall-newMario-inspired power-upsor expanded vehicle customization. Ultimately, it will be down to Nintendo’s discretion as to how it’ll proceed withMario Kart 9, but as speculation runs wild without any official news, fans are already building up their expectations. Sadly, the Booster Course Pass still in its early days, with many more courses yet to come in future waves. Therefore, it seems official news aboutMario Kart 9is far off. AsMario Kart 8 Deluxecontinues its victory lap on the Switch, fans will just have to remain patient for the next entry in the franchise.
