The anticipation has finally come to an end with the official announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2. The reveal trailer, lasting just over two minutes, effectively highlighted several exciting features that set this console apart from its predecessor. Among glimpses of the new console design, its stylish dock, and the game-changing magnetic Joy-Cons, there was an intriguing hint at the forthcoming Mario Kart installment.
Although Mario Kart 9 appeared for a brief 20 seconds, it has certainly piqued the interest of fans. Viewers could catch sight of new character designs and a hint towards a potentially open-ended track layout. Furthermore, some perceptive fans are speculating about the introduction of a franchise-first feature that, if confirmed, could greatly expand the roster of characters in this sequel.
Mario Kart 9’s Rumored Lobby Size: Implications for the Character Roster
Mario Kart 9: Potential for 24-Player Races
The Mario Kart segment of the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer begins around the 1:40 mark, showcasing beloved Nintendo characters at the starting line of a track. Notably, there appears to be a significantly higher number of vehicle positions than in previous games.
Fans have identified a total of 24 vehicle bays arranged in four rows of six. While not all are filled in the initial shot—suggesting there won’t be 24 racers active at once—the possibility of 24-player races in Mario Kart 9 is generating excitement. This would mark a notable evolution from Mario Kart 8, which allowed only 12 racers, with merely 8 being managed by human players.
Towards the end of the reveal trailer, viewers can spot 14 racing karts, including major characters such as Mario, Bowser, Luigi, and Princess Peach, alongside others like Waluigi and Baby Luigi. This context further fuels the speculation about the 24-player racing concept.
Larger Races Might Indicate a Robust Day-One Roster for Mario Kart 9
If Mario Kart 9 indeed supports 24-player races, it stands to reason that a client roster of at least 24 characters could be expected at launch. While this remains speculative, it would align with the high expectations set by its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
At its 2014 release, Mario Kart 8 featured 29 characters, not taking into account the customizable Mii racer, while subsequent DLCs expanded the selection. By the time Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was released, the character count had risen to 40, and with the incorporation of the Booster Course Pass, it now boasts an impressive 48 characters. An underwhelming character roster at launch for Mario Kart 9 would be a letdown for fans accustomed to so many options.
Nevertheless, it is essential to note that the footage displayed may not accurately reflect the final game, leaving this entire discussion open to future adjustments.
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