Mario Kart 9: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "{{Short description|2017 video game}} {{Use British English|date=July 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox video game | title = Mario Kart Switch | image = Mario Kart Switch cover art.png | alt = Mario and other characters racing karts across a colourful track, with the Nintendo Switch logo displayed. | caption = Cover art | developer = Nintendo EPD | publisher = Nintendo | director = Kosuke Yabuki | producer = Yabuki Kosuke | designer = Yasuyuki Oya...")
 
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{{Short description|2017 video game}}
{{Short description|2026 video game}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2026}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Mario Kart Switch
| title = Mario Kart Switch
| image = Mario Kart Switch cover art.png
| image = Mario Kart Switch cover art.png
| alt = Mario and other characters racing karts across a colourful track, with the Nintendo Switch logo displayed.
| alt = Mario and other characters racing across a wide, open track featuring multiple routes, dynamic hazards, and environmental changes.
| caption = Cover art
| caption = Promotional cover art
| developer = [[Nintendo EPD]]
| developer = [[Nintendo EPD]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
Line 15: Line 15:
| composer = Kenta Nagata
| composer = Kenta Nagata
| series = ''[[Mario Kart]]''
| series = ''[[Mario Kart]]''
| platforms = [[Nintendo Switch]]
| platforms = [[Nintendo Switch]]{{efn|Released as a cross-generation title with enhanced features on successor hardware.}}
| released = {{Start date|2017|3|3}}
| released = {{Start date|2026|11|20}}
| genre = [[Kart racing]]
| genre = [[Kart racing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}
}}


'''''Mario Kart Switch''''' is a kart racing video game developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. It is an enhanced and expanded version of ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' (2014) and was released worldwide on 3 March 2017 as a launch title for the console. The game is part of the long-running ''Mario Kart'' series and was later re-released under the title ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''.
'''''Mario Kart Switch''''' is a kart racing video game developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. It is the ninth mainline entry in the ''Mario Kart'' series, following ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' (2017), and was released worldwide on 20 November 2026.


''Mario Kart Switch'' builds upon the mechanics of its predecessor while introducing revised battle modes, additional characters, and expanded multiplayer functionality. The game supports both handheld and docked play, local wireless multiplayer, and online racing.
Designed as a full generational leap rather than an incremental update, ''Mario Kart Switch'' introduces large-scale track design, expanded vehicle physics, and new competitive systems inspired in part by the high-speed, skill-driven gameplay of ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''. The game places increased emphasis on player expression, risk–reward mechanics, and dynamic race flow while retaining the accessibility traditionally associated with the series.


Upon release, the game received critical acclaim and achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling titles on the Nintendo Switch.
Upon release, ''Mario Kart Switch'' received critical acclaim and achieved strong commercial success, becoming one of Nintendo’s fastest-selling titles of 2026.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
''Mario Kart Switch'' retains the core gameplay of the ''Mario Kart'' series, with players racing against computer-controlled or human opponents across themed circuits while utilising power-up items to gain an advantage. Players select from a roster of characters from the ''Mario'' franchise and customise their vehicles using different kart bodies, tyres, and gliders, each affecting handling, speed, and acceleration.
''Mario Kart Switch'' retains the core premise of the series—kart racing using items and character abilities—while introducing substantial mechanical changes intended to deepen competitive play and replayability.


The game features multiple racing modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trials, VS Race, and Battle Mode. Races support up to twelve participants, with local split-screen, local wireless, and online multiplayer options available.
Races support up to twelve players and are contested across a new generation of tracks designed around multiple viable routes, verticality, and environmental interaction. Unlike previous entries, many circuits feature branching paths that remain competitive across an entire lap rather than functioning as short-term shortcuts.


New to this version is the inclusion of revised Battle Mode mechanics, featuring dedicated battle arenas rather than repurposed race tracks. Battle modes include Balloon Battle, Shine Thief, Renegade Roundup, Bob-omb Blast, and Coin Runners. Players can hold two items simultaneously, and smart steering and auto-acceleration assist options are available for accessibility.
===Vehicle handling and physics===
The game introduces a revised physics model inspired by ''Mario Kart Wii'', prioritising momentum, speed retention, and mechanical skill. Drifting mechanics have been reworked, with players able to chain extended drifts and store boost energy for strategic release. Bikes and karts now exhibit more distinct handling characteristics, with bikes favouring agility and technical control while karts emphasise stability and raw speed.


All downloadable content from ''Mario Kart 8'', including crossover content from franchises such as ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', ''[[Animal Crossing]]'', and ''[[Splatoon]]'', is included by default.
Wheelies return in a revised form for bikes, providing short-term speed boosts at the cost of increased vulnerability to items. Advanced techniques such as slipstream chaining and manual boost timing reward skilled play without being mandatory for casual racers.
 
===Item system===
The item system has been rebalanced to reduce randomness while preserving unpredictability. Item probability now scales dynamically based on race context rather than position alone, factoring in player performance, proximity to opponents, and recent item usage.
 
New items introduced include:
* '''Chain Chomp''' – Temporarily drags the player forward while damaging opponents in its path.
* '''Pow Block''' – Returns as an area-of-effect hazard that can be avoided through precise timing.
* '''Boo Swarm''' – Steals items from multiple opponents simultaneously.
 
Classic items such as the Blue Shell and Lightning have been reworked to allow limited counterplay, including defensive timing windows and environmental avoidance routes on certain tracks.
 
===Race formats===
In addition to traditional Grand Prix and VS Race modes, ''Mario Kart Switch'' introduces new race structures:
* '''Marathon Cups''' – Extended races across interconnected tracks with persistent positioning.
* '''Elimination''' – The last-place racer is eliminated at fixed intervals.
* '''Team Relay''' – Teams rotate drivers mid-race using pit zones.
 
===Battle Mode===
Battle Mode has been rebuilt around larger, purpose-designed arenas with dynamic objectives. Modes include Balloon Battle, Coin Control, and the new '''Territory Clash''', where teams compete to capture and defend zones across evolving arenas.
 
===Online and multiplayer===
Online play supports ranked and unranked matchmaking, seasonal leaderboards, and spectator viewing. Local multiplayer supports up to four players split-screen, with additional players able to join wirelessly.
 
==Tracks==
The game features 24 new circuits at launch, alongside a curated selection of remastered tracks from earlier entries. New tracks emphasise scale and variety, including:
* '''Neo Bowser City Rise'''
* '''Wario Shipyard Run'''
* '''Skyway Summit'''
* '''Koopa Canyon'''
 
Several tracks feature dynamic events such as collapsing sections, moving platforms, and weather changes that alter racing lines mid-race.


==Development==
==Development==
Development of ''Mario Kart Switch'' was handled by Nintendo EPD, building directly on the foundation of ''Mario Kart 8''. With the Nintendo Switch designed as a hybrid home and handheld console, the development team focused on ensuring stable performance across both play styles, targeting 60 frames per second in all modes.
Development of ''Mario Kart Switch'' began in 2020 at Nintendo EPD. Following the extended success of ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', Nintendo opted to delay a new entry until it could deliver a meaningful evolution of the series rather than a graphical update.


The decision to include all previously released downloadable content was made to provide a comprehensive launch experience for early Switch adopters. Additional effort was placed on redesigning Battle Mode, which had been criticised in the Wii U version of the game.
Developers cited ''Mario Kart Wii'' as a key inspiration, particularly its emphasis on speed, mechanical mastery, and high-skill ceiling. The team sought to reintroduce depth without alienating less experienced players by layering advanced mechanics on top of an approachable baseline.


The game was announced during the Nintendo Switch presentation in January 2017 and showcased as a key launch title intended to demonstrate the system’s local multiplayer capabilities.
Track design shifted toward larger environments with interconnected routes, drawing influence from both traditional circuit racing and open-area design experiments. The physics engine was rewritten to support higher speeds, more complex collision interactions, and environmental dynamics.
 
The game was designed to scale across Nintendo Switch hardware revisions, with enhanced resolution, frame rate stability, and draw distance on newer models.
 
''Mario Kart Switch'' was officially revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation in June 2026, followed by a public demo at Gamescom 2026.


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 92/100
| MC = 93/100
| IGN = 10/10
| IGN = 9.5/10
| GSpot = 9/10
| GSpot = 9/10
| EGM = 9/10
| EGM = 5/5
}}
}}


''Mario Kart Switch'' received widespread critical acclaim upon release. Critics praised its refined gameplay, extensive content offering, and smooth performance across all modes. The improved Battle Mode was frequently cited as a major enhancement over the original version.
Critics praised the game’s renewed focus on skill-based racing, expansive track design, and refined online systems. Many reviewers highlighted the successful balance between competitive depth and accessibility, comparing its impact on the series to that of ''Mario Kart Wii''.


Some reviewers noted that the game offered limited brand-new content for players who had extensively played ''Mario Kart 8'' on the Wii U, though this was often mitigated by the portability and expanded multiplayer options of the Nintendo Switch.
Some criticism was directed toward the game’s steeper learning curve compared to ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', particularly in online ranked play.


==Commercial performance==
==Commercial performance==
''Mario Kart Switch'' was a strong commercial success, selling over eight million copies within its first year. It quickly became the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch and one of the highest-selling entries in the ''Mario Kart'' franchise.
''Mario Kart Switch'' debuted at number one in multiple territories and sold over ten million copies within its first two months. Nintendo cited the title as a key driver of late-generation Switch hardware sales and online engagement.
 
The game continued to chart strongly throughout the Switch’s lifespan, benefitting from console bundles, word-of-mouth, and Nintendo’s long-term software sales strategy.


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
''Mario Kart Switch'' played a key role in establishing the Nintendo Switch’s early success, frequently being cited as one of the console’s defining titles. Its popularity led Nintendo to support the game with long-term updates and tournament events, and it served as the foundation for subsequent expansions and re-releases.
''Mario Kart Switch'' is widely regarded as a defining entry in the franchise, credited with revitalising competitive interest in the series while maintaining broad appeal. The game established a new foundation for future ''Mario Kart'' titles and ongoing online competition.


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 70: Line 104:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website|https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-kart-8-deluxe-switch}}
* {{official website|https://www.nintendo.com/mariokartswitch}}


[[Category:2017 video games]]
[[Category:2026 video games]]
[[Category:Mario Kart]]
[[Category:Mario Kart]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]

Revision as of 09:35, 24 January 2026

Mario Kart Switch
Mario and other characters racing across a wide, open track featuring multiple routes, dynamic hazards, and environmental changes.
Promotional cover art
Developer(s)Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Kosuke Yabuki
Producer(s)Yabuki Kosuke
Designer(s)Yasuyuki Oyagi
Artist(s)Yusuke Nakano
Composer(s)Kenta Nagata
SeriesMario Kart
Platform(s)Nintendo Switch[lower-alpha 1]
ReleaseNovember 20, 2026 (2026-11-20)
Genre(s)Kart racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Mario Kart Switch is a kart racing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the ninth mainline entry in the Mario Kart series, following Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017), and was released worldwide on 20 November 2026.

Designed as a full generational leap rather than an incremental update, Mario Kart Switch introduces large-scale track design, expanded vehicle physics, and new competitive systems inspired in part by the high-speed, skill-driven gameplay of Mario Kart Wii. The game places increased emphasis on player expression, risk–reward mechanics, and dynamic race flow while retaining the accessibility traditionally associated with the series.

Upon release, Mario Kart Switch received critical acclaim and achieved strong commercial success, becoming one of Nintendo’s fastest-selling titles of 2026.

Gameplay

Mario Kart Switch retains the core premise of the series—kart racing using items and character abilities—while introducing substantial mechanical changes intended to deepen competitive play and replayability.

Races support up to twelve players and are contested across a new generation of tracks designed around multiple viable routes, verticality, and environmental interaction. Unlike previous entries, many circuits feature branching paths that remain competitive across an entire lap rather than functioning as short-term shortcuts.

Vehicle handling and physics

The game introduces a revised physics model inspired by Mario Kart Wii, prioritising momentum, speed retention, and mechanical skill. Drifting mechanics have been reworked, with players able to chain extended drifts and store boost energy for strategic release. Bikes and karts now exhibit more distinct handling characteristics, with bikes favouring agility and technical control while karts emphasise stability and raw speed.

Wheelies return in a revised form for bikes, providing short-term speed boosts at the cost of increased vulnerability to items. Advanced techniques such as slipstream chaining and manual boost timing reward skilled play without being mandatory for casual racers.

Item system

The item system has been rebalanced to reduce randomness while preserving unpredictability. Item probability now scales dynamically based on race context rather than position alone, factoring in player performance, proximity to opponents, and recent item usage.

New items introduced include:

  • Chain Chomp – Temporarily drags the player forward while damaging opponents in its path.
  • Pow Block – Returns as an area-of-effect hazard that can be avoided through precise timing.
  • Boo Swarm – Steals items from multiple opponents simultaneously.

Classic items such as the Blue Shell and Lightning have been reworked to allow limited counterplay, including defensive timing windows and environmental avoidance routes on certain tracks.

Race formats

In addition to traditional Grand Prix and VS Race modes, Mario Kart Switch introduces new race structures:

  • Marathon Cups – Extended races across interconnected tracks with persistent positioning.
  • Elimination – The last-place racer is eliminated at fixed intervals.
  • Team Relay – Teams rotate drivers mid-race using pit zones.

Battle Mode

Battle Mode has been rebuilt around larger, purpose-designed arenas with dynamic objectives. Modes include Balloon Battle, Coin Control, and the new Territory Clash, where teams compete to capture and defend zones across evolving arenas.

Online and multiplayer

Online play supports ranked and unranked matchmaking, seasonal leaderboards, and spectator viewing. Local multiplayer supports up to four players split-screen, with additional players able to join wirelessly.

Tracks

The game features 24 new circuits at launch, alongside a curated selection of remastered tracks from earlier entries. New tracks emphasise scale and variety, including:

  • Neo Bowser City Rise
  • Wario Shipyard Run
  • Skyway Summit
  • Koopa Canyon

Several tracks feature dynamic events such as collapsing sections, moving platforms, and weather changes that alter racing lines mid-race.

Development

Development of Mario Kart Switch began in 2020 at Nintendo EPD. Following the extended success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo opted to delay a new entry until it could deliver a meaningful evolution of the series rather than a graphical update.

Developers cited Mario Kart Wii as a key inspiration, particularly its emphasis on speed, mechanical mastery, and high-skill ceiling. The team sought to reintroduce depth without alienating less experienced players by layering advanced mechanics on top of an approachable baseline.

Track design shifted toward larger environments with interconnected routes, drawing influence from both traditional circuit racing and open-area design experiments. The physics engine was rewritten to support higher speeds, more complex collision interactions, and environmental dynamics.

The game was designed to scale across Nintendo Switch hardware revisions, with enhanced resolution, frame rate stability, and draw distance on newer models.

Mario Kart Switch was officially revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation in June 2026, followed by a public demo at Gamescom 2026.

Reception

Critics praised the game’s renewed focus on skill-based racing, expansive track design, and refined online systems. Many reviewers highlighted the successful balance between competitive depth and accessibility, comparing its impact on the series to that of Mario Kart Wii.

Some criticism was directed toward the game’s steeper learning curve compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, particularly in online ranked play.

Commercial performance

Mario Kart Switch debuted at number one in multiple territories and sold over ten million copies within its first two months. Nintendo cited the title as a key driver of late-generation Switch hardware sales and online engagement.

Legacy

Mario Kart Switch is widely regarded as a defining entry in the franchise, credited with revitalising competitive interest in the series while maintaining broad appeal. The game established a new foundation for future Mario Kart titles and ongoing online competition.

Notes

  1. ↑ Released as a cross-generation title with enhanced features on successor hardware.

References

External links

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