Tag: Mario Kart 9

  • Mario Kart 9 Not Appealing as Switch 2 Launch Title, Ex-Nintendo PR

    Mario Kart 9 Not Appealing as Switch 2 Launch Title, Ex-Nintendo PR

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Direct on April 2nd will confirm titles for the Switch 2, with speculation around Mario Kart 9 being a key launch title.
    2. Former Nintendo PR Manager Krysta Yang doubts that Mario Kart 9 can fully utilize the Switch 2’s potential, suggesting The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a better example.
    3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains extremely popular, selling over 70 million copies, which raises questions about the demand for a new installment.
    4. Many gamers believe it’s time for a new racing game, especially after Mario Kart 8’s long presence in the market.
    5. Rumors indicate that Mario Kart 9 may feature 24 starting positions and new character models, promising potential innovations for the new game.


    Gamers might have to hold on till the Nintendo Direct on April 2nd to find out the confirmed titles for the Switch 2 launch. However, during the January showcase of the new console, Mario Kart was one of the few games highlighted. This has led many to speculate that Mario Kart 9, or its actual name, will play a key role in the initial marketing for the Switch 2. Although Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been a hit, a former PR Manager from Nintendo believes that a new kart racing game won’t necessarily entice buyers to get the system.

    Surprising Insights from Krysta Yang

    In a recent episode of the Kit & Krysta podcast, Krysta Yang shared some unexpected views. The ex-Nintendo staffer seems to doubt that Mario Kart 9 could fully utilize the potential of the Switch 2. Instead, she highlights The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a 3D open-world game that debuted with the first Switch. Players could explore Hyrule in ways that weren’t possible in earlier titles.

    The Popularity of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

    The podcast also discussed how dedicated gamers are to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This racer is an enhanced version of the 2014 Mario Kart 8, filled with a plethora of characters and tracks. With sales surpassing 70 million copies, players would likely need a strong reason to buy a new installment.

    Yang doesn’t see any major innovations that could be added to Mario Kart. Nevertheless, comments on the related YouTube video show a favorable view towards Mario Kart 9 being a launch title for the Switch 2. One viewer commented: “The only challenge Nintendo is gonna face with this game is meeting the demand for it.”

    Time for a New Racing Game

    Mario Kart 8 has been around for more than a decade, and many gamers feel it’s time for a new version. One rumored leak about the Switch 2 hinted that the console might feature a 120Hz refresh rate with VRR. This kind of display can greatly enhance racing games, providing fast-paced action with smooth performance and low lag.

    The Switch 2 presentation revealed that Mario Kart 9 could have 24 starting positions, which is double what the current game offers. New character models, including a refreshed Donkey Kong, were also observed. Given Nintendo’s knack for surprises, players are eager to see what other innovations the new game might bring.

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  • Switch 2 Rumors: Single “Oh” Ignites First-Party Title Speculation

    Switch 2 Rumors: Single “Oh” Ignites First-Party Title Speculation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo has announced a new console to follow the Switch, likely releasing around June 2025, with a rumored price between $350 and $399.
    2. Expected launch titles include Mario Kart 9 and potentially a new Super Smash Bros. game, hinted at by series creator Masahiro Sakurai.
    3. Sakurai’s brief comment on social media has sparked speculation about a new Super Smash Bros. installment being ready for the Switch 2.
    4. Fan discussions are lively, with hopes for new characters in the next Super Smash Bros. game, while some doubt a new title could arrive until 2028.
    5. More details and confirmations are anticipated during the upcoming Nintendo Direct event scheduled for April 2, 2025.


    Nintendo has announced a new console to follow the Switch, which is currently priced at $299 on Amazon. However, not many details have been shared yet. Key questions still linger: When will the Switch 2 be released, what will its price be, and which games can players expect at launch? The new device is likely not arriving until at least June 2025. A recent rumor hints at a price point between $350 and $399.

    Anticipated Titles

    Fans are almost guaranteed to see Mario Kart 9 hit the shelves soon after the Switch 2 is released. There’s also a glimmer of hope that Super Smash Bros. may be ready as well, promising thrilling matchups with iconic characters. This excitement stems from a post on X by Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros., who simply wrote “Oh!” in a mysterious two-letter message.

    Hints from the Creator

    As the long-time director of the Super Smash Bros. franchise, Sakurai likely has valuable knowledge about what’s happening behind the scenes. Although he doesn’t officially represent Nintendo, his brief comment from February 5 has been interpreted by many as a sign that a new installment in the beloved fighting game series could be coming to the Switch 2, possibly even at launch. This wouldn’t be shocking, as a new Super Smash Bros. title could significantly boost interest in Nintendo’s latest console.

    Fan Reactions and Speculations

    Conversations on X are buzzing with excitement. Hopeful fans are convinced that development is progressing well and are guessing about potential new characters, like Shadow the Hedgehog or those from Astral Chain. On the flip side, some are doubtful, suggesting that a new game might not appear until 2028. The truth behind these speculations may come to light during the upcoming Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, 2025.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Date Revealed in Nintendo Direct

    Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Date Revealed in Nintendo Direct

    After much speculation, leaks, and eager waiting, Nintendo has finally introduced the Switch 2, the successor to the 2017 Nintendo Switch. The announcement was made with an official trailer, providing us with our first glimpse of this new handheld gaming console. It also highlights some important information regarding game compatibility.

    Key Features Revealed

    In the trailer, which lasts over two minutes, the Nintendo Switch 2 showcases several features that were previously rumored. These include a larger display, newly designed Joy-Cons that are bigger, a revamped kickstand, and a USB-C port located at the top, next to the audio jack, along with various other modifications.

    Exciting Game Teasers

    The teaser also gives us a look at the new dock, which has softer rounded edges, plus a sneak peek at what many believe to be Mario Kart 9 in action. While a lot of design elements are confirmed, the trailer does not provide any information regarding technical specifications. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the Switch 2 will use an LCD or OLED screen, among other technical aspects.

    Nintendo has stated that the Switch 2 will feature exclusive games and will support both physical and digital titles from the original Nintendo Switch. However, not every game from the previous console is guaranteed to be fully compatible with the new device.

    Upcoming Events and Details

    Nintendo mentioned that more information will be shared in the future, and they have scheduled a Nintendo Direct event specifically for the Switch 2 on April 2, 2025. Additionally, there will be hands-on events occurring across different cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

    For those interested in the hands-on events in the US, registration opens on January 17 and closes on January 26. These experiences will take place in April following the announcement, providing fans a chance to try out the new console.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Release Window and Launch Titles Leak

    Nintendo Switch 2 Release Window and Launch Titles Leak

    This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been happening all week long. Many new devices have been shown off at CES 2025, but the buzz about Nintendo’s upcoming console keeps growing. This excitement was partly fueled by Genki, which showcased various accessories called ‘NS2’ that were specifically made for the Switch 2.

    Leaks and Speculation

    Not long after, a popular leaker shared images of the console, which got even more attention when a Gamestop employee hinted at possible microSD Express support in another leak. Then, a member of Famiboards posted what they claimed was a picture of a working unit, which we have included above. This led to discussions among other members about the details visible in the image, particularly concerning the size of the console’s display bezels:

    If we assume the bezels are even, the screen height would likely be between 100-102 mm. By applying the aspect ratio for a 1080p display, we could estimate the width to be around 178-181 mm.

    Display Size Insights

    If these estimates hold true, the Switch 2 might have an 8 to 8.2-inch display, rather than the approximately 8.4-inch panel suggested by @OnLeaks just yesterday. Meanwhile, the r/NintendoSwitch2 subreddit has been buzzing with new theories from Average Lucia Fanatic, known for their accurate predictions about the PlayStation 5 Pro (currently priced at $699 on Amazon) before its launch.

    We advise caution regarding the details shown in the image below for the time being. For example, while it may seem plausible that Mario Kart 9 could be a launch title based on Nintendo’s history, suggesting a seven-year-old AAA game as a second option feels unlikely. Additionally, the conversion of CA$400 to about $280 would make it cheaper than the Switch OLED in the US. Ultimately, we will discover whether any of these initial claims are true in just one week’s time.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Launches with PS1 Classic Remake, Not Mario Kart 9

    Nintendo Switch 2 Launches with PS1 Classic Remake, Not Mario Kart 9

    Following several significant leaks, a lot about the Switch 2’s design and technical aspects is already known. Nevertheless, speculation regarding the new Nintendo Switch (currently priced at $290 on Amazon) continues to grow. The latest rumors are centered around the console’s launch games. According to well-known leaker Samus Hunter, the Switch 2 might launch with a remake of Final Fantasy 9. Previously, it was thought that Mario Kart 9 would be the main title for the launch.

    New Insights on Launch Titles

    Samus Hunter has referenced a Reddit discussion that initiated the recent big leak. The information seems to match what has been floating around for months. Interestingly, the “game with the 9” isn’t Mario Kart as many expected, but rather Final Fantasy 9.

    A Classic Game’s Journey

    Final Fantasy 9 first made its debut in Japan back in July 2000, followed by its release in the USA that November and Europe in February 2001. It quickly rose to become one of the most beloved titles on the PlayStation 1. There have been whispers about a remake since a leak from Nvidia in 2021, but Square Enix has not yet confirmed any plans to re-release the classic from the PS1 era.

    Anticipation Builds for the Reveal

    Final Fantasy 9 was also notably missing from the Game Awards event on December 13, where many new games were introduced. This absence has sparked theories that Nintendo could be holding back the announcement of this eagerly awaited remake for the Switch 2. However, comments on X (formerly Twitter) show that a lot of users still think Mario Kart 9 will be the key title at launch. With the Switch 2 expected to be revealed in just a few weeks, fans won’t have to wait too long to discover what games Nintendo has ready for this new console.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Leaked: New Joy-Cons, Dock, and Mario Kart 9

    Nintendo Switch 2 Leaked: New Joy-Cons, Dock, and Mario Kart 9

    Launched in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch marked a significant point for Nintendo in the world of handheld gaming. In July 2021, the introduction of the Switch OLED model brought some minor enhancements, but it wasn’t a full upgrade. Now, recent leaks hint that Nintendo is set to unveil its next-generation console, dubbed the Nintendo Switch 2, with some fascinating information surfacing online.

    Exciting Leaks About the Nintendo Switch 2

    A recent leak on Reddit has given fans a glimpse of what to expect from the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2. A user named NextHandheld, who claims to have glimpsed the final version of the console, has shared a lot of details, covering design features, expected release timeframe, and possible launch games.

    Redesigned Features and Backward Compatibility

    The next Nintendo Switch is said to come with a revamped Joy-Con system that attaches magnetically and uses Hall effect technology. It is also expected to be compatible with existing game cartridges, ensuring that players can use their old favorites. Leaked images from @deckwizardyt reveal a new dock that boasts a larger, curved shape and more connection options. Moreover, the buttons on this console seem to be larger compared to the previous model.

    Anticipated Release and Specifications

    The leaks indicate that the console will initially come with an LCD screen, with an OLED version expected to be released later. There are exciting rumors that Mario Kart 9 will be the flagship game at launch, marking the series’ first significant release since Mario Kart 8 came out in 2014. Additionally, a special edition console for Mario Kart 9 is also rumored to be in the works.

    Reports suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 might sport an 8-inch display, which is significantly bigger than the 6.2-inch screen of the original model. It is also being said that the new console will have 12GB of RAM—three times more than its predecessor—and a new CPU/GPU that can achieve 1080p resolution at 60fps while docked.

    While these details are not yet confirmed, the increasing number of leaks implies that the Nintendo Switch 2 might be close to its official reveal, which is speculated to happen in late March or early April.


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