While the game release schedule around the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains a mystery, one of the big ones expected to be released alongside the new console is Mario Kart 9. Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, former PR managers for Nintendo, don’t believe that Mario Kart 9 would be as big of a deal for Nintendo to release as fans would expect, however.
In a recent video, Ellis and Yang spoke about how, even if a new Mario Kart were to come out alongside the Switch 2, the game might not end up hitting the critical mass of popularity that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hit back when it came out on the Switch. The duo also don’t believe that Mario Kart 9 would be as much of a system seller as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ended up being.
“Everybody has the expectation, ‘oh my gosh Mario Kart it’s a slam dunk, it’s a system seller, this is definitely the right game to put in front of this new system,'” said Ellis in the video. “but I think you’re right because if you look at the situation of Mario Kart up to this point, it’s a little bit different than what has been in the past and I’m not sure that transition for Nintendo or for the people who have been playing Mario Kart, I’m not sure that’s the slam dunk that people think it is.”
Yang spoke about how Nintendo has traditionally focused on showcasing brand new games as launch titles for its consoles. Using The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as an example, even thought it was a new game in the seminal Zelda franchise, Breath of the Wild changed up just about every aspect that players familiar with the franchise would be able to recognise. Mario Kart 9, on the other hand, would be more of an evolution of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and is unlikely to feature brand new genre-defining gameplay changes.
“It’s a bit unconventional to have a game coming out that’s probably going to be the premier launch title for your new console to have this kind of history,” said Yang. “This is very unlike Nintendo. Usually when they have a launch title, like Breath of the Wild for example, it’s like this new game-breaking, genre-bending thing that’s never been seen before, and that’s what’s going to make you want to buy the new hardware.”
“But we’re kind of in a bit of a different situation with Mario Kart and honestly it’s because of how successful Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been for Nintendo,” she continued.
Considering the fact that the Switch 2 will also support games from the original Switch through backwards compatibility, Yang also questioned how Nintendo will be able to confuse its player base to leave the older (still playable) title behind and instead buy a brand new game.
“How is Nintendo going to convince me that I want to get the new Mario Kart?” Yang questioned. “That I need a Switch 2 to get the new Mario Kart?”
“I do think there are going to be some people who ask themselves, ‘I’m pretty happy with the Mario Kart I’ve been playing,’ and… Mom: ‘hey kids, we have Mario Kart at home…’ like, looking at this box and be like, ‘hmm, I’m not sure we need this Timmy,’” responded Ellis.
“I have no doubt this is going to be an incredible game,” he continued. “I have no doubt that every Mario Kart sells well. But in terms of the hill that this one in particular has to get over… This is Nintendo’s goal. This is always their goal: ‘we have to do better than the last one.’”
“It’s like, well are you really going to do better than 75 million? And it’s the same question with the Switch 2. It’s like, ‘oh you just did the best-selling console ever.’ It’s just these goals that they have for themselves are going to be incredibly hard to match.”
While Nintendo is yet to confirm any launch titles for the Switch 2, Mario Kart 9 is expected to be one of the big announcements since a new game in the Mario Kart franchise was spotted in the Switch 2 announcement trailer. While it may include other features, Mario Kart 9 is also expected to feature larger online races with more players.
Nintendo is slated to reveal more details about the Switch 2 during a Direct on April 2.
