With the Nintendo Switch 2 officially announced and set to release in 2025, speculation about its launch lineup is intensifying.
Among the most discussed possibilities is the long-awaited release of Mario Kart 9, a sequel to the wildly successful Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Released in 2014 for the Wii U and re-released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has become one of Nintendo’s best-selling games.
This means fans have been waiting over a decade for a true sequel, and rumors suggest that the wait might end with the Switch 2.
Rumors Point to Mario Kart 9 as a Launch Title
A recent claim by leaker “Average Lucia Fanatic” suggests that Mario Kart 9 will be a launch title for the Switch 2, with both the console and the game reportedly releasing on March 3, 2025. The leaker also mentioned other launch titles, including Red Dead Redemption 2.
While Average Lucia Fanatic has gained credibility for accurate predictions in the past, such as details about the PS5 Pro, this claim is contested.
Another prominent leaker, “Nate the Hate,” suggests the Switch 2 will launch later in April or May. Nintendo has yet to confirm any specific dates, leaving fans to wait for official announcements, potentially during the Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, 2025.
Historical Context: Mario Kart and Console Launches
Nintendo has a history of pairing Mario Kart releases with new hardware, though not always as simultaneous launches.
For example, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was teased alongside the Nintendo Switch reveal in 2016 but launched a month after the console’s release in April 2017.
Given the massive success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it would be a strategic move for Nintendo to launch Mario Kart 9 alongside the Switch 2, maximizing sales and excitement. However, it’s also possible that the game could follow shortly after the console’s release, as was the case in 2017.
What’s Next?
While rumors swirl, the release date for Mario Kart 9 remains unconfirmed. With Nintendo historically keeping major announcements under wraps until closer to release, fans will need to stay tuned for updates, particularly during the upcoming Nintendo Direct event.
For now, the possibility of Mario Kart 9 launching alongside the Switch 2 remains an exciting prospect, but only time will tell if it becomes a reality.
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