Nintendo finally unveiled the Switch 2 with a brief teaser trailer yesterday (January 16) – but some fans believe a new Mario Kart has also been confirmed.
The first-look trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 focused solely on the new console’s hardware. The bigger, more powerful bit of kit will feature reworked Joy-Con controllers and a larger screen.
However to show off the new console, footage from a Mario Kart game was used. While some fans think the clip was reworked footage from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which was launched alongside the original Switch in 2017, others think Nintendo have confirmed Mario Kart 9.
The brief glimpse of the game sees a number of classic characters taking on new course Mario Bros. Circuit. The opening seconds reveal 24 starting positions for the race while the closing moments show 14 different karts competing. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has a limit of 12 karts per race.
Holy shit, official 24 player Mario Kart on Switch 2! pic.twitter.com/seqi82Ahbm
— Citadel | Mankalor (@Mankalor) January 16, 2025
Fans have also been praising the new-look design of some of the characters, with Donkey Kong seemingly inspired by his appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Not only does Donkey Kong have his new movie design in Mario Kart 9(???), Mario’s slightly more cartoon-y Wonder proportions also seem to be the default now. pic.twitter.com/McJGad4KnM
— Rimea (@The_Rimea) January 16, 2025
There’s also speculation that the “gimmick” for Mario Kart 9 will be the use of fuel, thanks to a couple of redesigned karts and a mysterious object on Mario Bros Circuit. In 2022, it was reported a new Mario Kart game was being developed and would feature a “new twist”.
haven’t seen anyone else talk about this but the gimmick of mario kart 9 is definitely a fuel tank
karts have conspicuous fuel tanks now and there’s something on this track that doesnt look like an item box
it’ll be a resource you can use freely to boost pic.twitter.com/bhGnEOe8Xo
— chloe (@payapaberii) January 16, 2025
Nintendo has yet to reveal the launch date, price or what games will be released alongside the Switch 2, though a dedicated Direct presentation is due April 2. There is also speculation that another reveal is planned next month that will focus on games.
The Switch 2 has been confirmed to be backwards compatible with current digital and physical Switch games. Nintendo has also announced details of special hands-on experiences to take place throughout April and May – head here to find out how to get access.
In other news, David Lynch’s weirdo 2000 advert for the PlayStation 2 is being shared by fans following the filmmaker’s death yesterday, aged 78.
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