Why Mario Kart 9 Must Break Franchise Traditions for a Fresh Experience

Recently revealed, the upcoming title for Nintendo Switch 2, informally dubbed Mario Kart 9, has swiftly climbed the ranks of highly-anticipated gaming releases. Fans are buzzing with excitement, yet this anticipation comes with the burden of high expectations. Following the monumental success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and considering that it’s been 11 years since a true original entry, there’s a lot riding on Mario Kart 9 to innovate and evolve the series.

To differentiate itself, Mario Kart 9 may need to step away from some established conventions in favor of bold, new ideas. While this approach carries the risk of straying from the core elements that fans cherish, it could inject the necessary creativity and innovation into the franchise. Among the traditions worth reevaluating is the frequent use of retro tracks, which might hinder the game’s ability to be the groundbreaking entry that players are hoping for.

Understanding Course Selection in Previous Mario Kart Titles

Combining Classic and New Tracks

A hallmark of the Mario Kart franchise since Mario Kart: Super Circuit is the blend of classic and newly designed tracks. Most entries feature a mix of courses from previous games, often updated with enhanced visuals and adapted mechanics to fit the latest innovations—such as the paragliding mechanics in Mario Kart 7 or the antigravity elements in Mario Kart 8.

Notably, Mario Kart: Double Dash!! was the sole mainline game released after Super Circuit that did not incorporate any older tracks, establishing the tradition of retro tracks beginning with Mario Kart DS.

This mixture of old and new has become an iconic feature of the series, providing replayability and celebrating beloved tracks from the franchise’s extensive history. However, limiting these favorite courses to past games would diminish their legacy. The current tradition of remastering retro courses not only honors their legacy but revitalizes them for a new generation of players.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe took this further with the Booster Course Pass launched in 2022, which reintroduced a collection of iconic tracks from previous installments, much to the delight of fans. This expansion turned the game into a celebration of the series, featuring much-requested courses like Coconut Mall from Mario Kart Wii and DK Mountain from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.

Rethinking Retro: Why Mario Kart 9 Should Forge Its Own Path

Potential Redundancy of Familiar Courses

Mario racing on Switch 2 screen in new Mario Kart

Despite its cherished status, this tradition could negatively impact the quality of Mario Kart 9 for several compelling reasons. The overflow of beloved tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe creates a significant hurdle; the extensive track repertoire leaves little room for Mario Kart 9 to introduce fresh choices without overlapping too much. Furthermore, the Switch 2’s backwards compatibility may render these retro tracks less relevant for a new installment.

Additionally, many classic tracks have undergone extensive creative enhancements already, leading to challenges in making them feel new again. Even though Mario Kart 9 will introduce its own unique elements, finding a way to refresh these familiar locales while maintaining their original charm will be a considerable task.

While players certainly cherish retro tracks, repeating their inclusion in a prominent capacity might prevent Mario Kart 9 from distinguishing itself from its predecessors, especially given the context provided by the Booster Course Pass, which features many of the series’ classic communities.

The Switch 2 Deserves a Fresh Mario Kart Experience

Aligning the Game with the Console’s Vision

Opting to forgo retro courses in Mario Kart 9 could serve as a significant advantage, allowing the game to stand out as a showcase for the Switch 2. As Nintendo aims to attract a wider audience, it will be vital for the new console to feature titles that highlight its innovative capabilities. In doing so, the new installment will need to represent the potential and creativity that the Switch 2 embodies.

The emphasis for Mario Kart 9 should be on creating entirely new tracks that reflect Nintendo’s ambitious vision for the console. By crafting courses that push the boundaries of past Mario Kart experiences, players will be better able to appreciate the Switch 2’s advancements. This approach not only broadens the appeal of Nintendo’s latest offering, but also helps to establish a unique identity for Mario Kart 9, setting the stage for future successes within the franchise.

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