A new game in the long-dormant F-Zero franchise seems more unlikely than ever. In an interview with VideoGamesChronicle, F-Zero artist Takaya Imamura has indicated that a new game in the franchise isn’t likely, since the ever-successful Mario Kart franchise currently fills that genre gap for Nintendo.
“I think it’s because Mario Kart is Nintendo’s most popular racing game, and a new F-Zero would cost a fortune,” said Imamura when asked about a franchise like Star Fox getting more attention than F-Zero. “My impression is that [Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto] is very affectionate about Star Fox.”
F-Zero, originally released on the SNES back in 1990, had seen a few follow-ups. The most recent title in the franchise, however, is F-Zero: Climax on the Game Boy Advance. The most popular game in the franchise, F-Zero GX, sits on the GameCube.
Last we heard of F-Zero, Nintendo brought Nintendo 64’s F-Zero X to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service back in 2022. Since bringing the game to the Nintendo Switch, however, Nintendo has been largely quiet about F-Zero.
The F-Zero franchise is known for its unique take on fast-paced futuristic racing. The franchise is also home to iconic characters, including Captain Falcon, who currently lives on in the roster for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.