Despite having been unveiled just a few weeks ago, the newMario Kartgame for Nintendo Switch 2, being tentatively calledMario Kart 9among fans, has easily become one of the most highly-anticipated upcoming releases. Yet, while excitement may be at an all-time high,Mario Kart 9must also deal with an almost insurmountable amount of pressure. Not only must the title follow the gargantuan success ofMario Kart 8 Deluxe, but the 11-year wait for an original entry will naturally result in huge expectations from fans for the title topush the series forward in a new direction.
One way thatMario Kart 9could stand out is by foregoing some of the series staples in exchange for entirely new ideas. While such a shift could risk the new game lacking the series' signature charm and appeal,it could be the changeMario Kartneeds to maintain that sense of creativity and wonder. In fact, there’s one series tradition that should be left behind forMario Kart 9, as it could hold the game back from becoming the ambitious, original entry that the franchise needs.
How Courses Work In Previous Mario Kart Games
A Majority Of Titles Boast A Selection Of Old And New Tracks
One common tradition introduced to theMario Kartseries has been the format adopted for the course selection. Starting withMario Kart: Super Circuit, a majority of the entries have included a selection of older tracks from previous games for players to race on alongside new courses. The older tracks that are included are often given updated visuals to match the art style of the rest of the title,while some will be slightly altered to incorporate the mechanics of that specific entry, likeMario Kart 7’s paragliders orMario Kart 8’s antigravity.
Mario Kart: Double Dash!!is the only mainline entry followingSuper Circuitto not include tracks from previous games. The inclusion of retro tracks was added as standard fromMario Kart DSonwards.
The mix of old and new tracks has become a belovedMario Karttradition, and for good reason. The series' multiple entries are home to a wide range of iconic and fan-favorite courses that offer near-endless replayability, andrelegating them to their debut games would be a colossal waste. The tradition of remastering older tracks for newerMario Kartentries not only gives these courses the recognition they deserve, but it also allows them to gain a new lease of life, becoming even more beloved and entertaining in the process.
New Mario Kart Game For Switch 2 Has Changed Donkey Kong’s Design & Fans Think They Know Why
In the new Mario Kart game revealed during the Switch 2’s first trailer, players noticed a number of details, including some character redesigns.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxetook this one step further with theBooster Course Passthat began in 2022. A majority of the 48 courses included in the expansion were courses that originated from previous entries, many of which were in high demand among fans, fromMario Kart Wii’s Coconut Mall toMario Kart: Double Dash!!’s DK Mountain. The Booster Course Pass was a stellar expansion to an already incredible kart racer,transformingMario Kart 8 Deluxeinto a wonderful celebration of the series as a whole.
Why Mario Kart 9 Needs To Avoid This Trend
The Addition Of Older Courses Could Make The New Game Feel Redundant
As beloved as this tradition may be, it could prove to be a detriment toMario Kart 9’s quality for several reasons. For starters, the Booster Course Pass puts the new game at a major disadvantage, asMario Kart 8 Deluxe’s colossal track number boasts a majority of the series' most iconic and beloved tracks. With this in mind, it will be a struggle forMario Kart 9to curate a diverse and engaging retro track selection that doesn’t tread on its predecessor, whilethe Switch 2’s backwards compatibility will make this addition even more redundant for the new game.
Older courses have been pushed to their creative limits in regard to presentation or mechanical changes.
Mario Kart 9will also face huge challenges when it comes to revitalizing older tracks. The repeated inclusion of a retro track selection means that many older courses have been pushed to their creative limits in regard to presentation or mechanical changes. Even thoughMario Kart 9will almost certainlyhave its own unique additions,it’ll be difficult for the title to change these older tracks in a way that makes them feel fresh, while also preserving what makes them so special.
That’s not to say the inclusion of retro tracks inMario Kart 9wouldn’t be enjoyed by players. Their repeated inclusion across multiple entries is done because of the love and adoration fans have for the older courses. However, giving these tracks the same prominent role that they have held for the majority of theMario Kartseries will deny this new entry the potential to stand apart from its predecessors,especially with the existence of the Booster Course Pass, showcasing the need forMario Kart 9to escape this trend.
Switch 2 Deserves An All-New Mario Kart
The New Game Should Match The Console’s Ambition
The decision to forego older tracks inMario Kart 9would also be a huge benefit to the game as a showcase of the Switch 2. With Nintendo’s latest console on the horizon, the company will surely want to broaden its appeal to as many players as possible byshowing the Switch 2’s potential. to do so,the console will need the support of games that demonstrate the level of ambition and creativity that’s possible with the Switch 2and how it exceeds the capabilities of its predecessor, which includesMario Kart 9.
Mario Kart’s Newest Feature Could Be The Best It’s Added In 17 Years
With the Swtich 2’s newest hardware opening new possibilities for the franchise, Mario Kart 9 could offer drastic improvements and exciting mechanics.
With this in mind, the focus ofMario Kart 9should be placed solely on new tracks that match the ambition Nintendo wants to demonstrate with its latest console. By offering new tracks that push the boundaries of what previousMario Kartgames accomplished, it will give players a better idea of what the Switch 2 is capable of than what a selection of retro courses could showcase. Not only will it broaden the appeal of Nintendo’s latest console, but it will giveMario Kart 9the unique identity it needs to become yet another smash hit for the series.
