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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2026}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Mario Kart Switch
| image = Mario Kart Switch cover artwork.png
| image = Mario Kart Switch cover art.png
| alt = Mario and several other characters racing at high speed across a multi-layered circuit featuring branching routes and environmental hazards.
| alt = Mario and other characters racing across a wide, open track featuring multiple routes, dynamic hazards, and environmental changes.
| caption = Promotional cover art
| caption = Promotional cover art
| developer = [[Nintendo EPD]]
| developer = [[Nintendo EPD]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = Kosuke Yabuki
| director = Kosuke Yabuki
| producer = Yabuki Kosuke
| producer = Kosuke Yabuki
| designer = Yasuyuki Oyagi
| designer = Yasuyuki Oyagi
| artist = Yusuke Nakano
| artist = Yusuke Nakano
| composer = Kenta Nagata
| composer = Kenta Nagata
| series = ''[[Mario Kart]]''
| series = ''[[Mario Kart]]''
| platforms = [[Nintendo Switch]]{{efn|Released as a cross-generation title with enhanced features on successor hardware.}}
| platforms = [[Nintendo Switch]]{{efn|Released as a cross-generation title with performance enhancements on successor hardware.}}
| genre = [[Kart racing game|Kart racing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| released = {{Start date|2026|11|20}}
| released = {{Start date|2026|11|20}}
| genre = [[Kart racing]]
| modes = [[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.
{{nihongo foot|'''''Mario Kart Switch'''''|マリオカート スイッチ|Mario Kāto Suitchi|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2026 [[kart racing game]] developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. It is the ninth mainline installment in the ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series, following ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' (2017).


Unlike its immediate predecessor, which served as a long-running expanded edition of an earlier title, ''Mario Kart Switch'' was conceived as a full generational sequel designed to significantly evolve the structure, pacing, and competitive depth of the series. Nintendo positioned the game as a foundational entry intended to define the franchise’s design direction for the remainder of the Switch era and beyond.
Unlike its predecessor, which functioned as an expanded reissue, ''Mario Kart Switch'' was designed as a full generational sequel intended to redefine the core systems of the franchise. Nintendo positioned the game as a structural evolution rather than a feature expansion, with changes affecting physics, track design, item balance, and competitive flow.


The game introduces large-scale track layouts, revised vehicle physics, and new competitive systems inspired in part by the high-speed, skill-driven gameplay of ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''. These changes place increased emphasis on player expression, risk–reward decision-making, and race flow, while maintaining the accessibility and broad appeal traditionally associated with the series.
The game draws explicit inspiration from ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', particularly its emphasis on speed, momentum, and high-skill techniques, while incorporating modern accessibility options. Tracks are significantly larger and more vertical than in previous entries, with multiple viable routes and dynamic environmental elements that alter race conditions in real time. Races support up to twelve players.


Upon release, ''Mario Kart Switch'' received critical acclaim and achieved strong commercial success. Reviewers praised its mechanical ambition, track design, and balance between casual play and competitive mastery, with several publications describing it as one of the most significant reinventions in the history of the franchise.
''Mario Kart Switch'' was released worldwide on 20 November 2026. The game received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its mechanical depth, track design, and willingness to challenge established series conventions, while some criticism was directed toward its increased learning curve compared to earlier entries.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
''Mario Kart Switch'' retains the core premise of the series—kart racing using items, power-ups, and character-specific handling—while introducing substantial mechanical and structural changes intended to deepen replayability and competitive depth.
{{See also|Gameplay of Mario Kart|l1=Gameplay of ''Mario Kart''}}
[[File:Mario Kart Switch gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|A race on Skyway Summit, illustrating the game's multi-route track design and increased verticality.]]
''Mario Kart Switch'' is a kart racing game in which players control characters from the ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' franchise across a variety of circuits while using items to gain an advantage over opponents. The game retains the series’ accessible controls but introduces a revised physics system and expanded track layouts that significantly alter race dynamics.


Races support up to twelve players and take place across a new generation of tracks designed around scale, verticality, and route choice. Many circuits feature multiple viable paths that remain competitive throughout an entire lap, rather than functioning as brief shortcuts. Track layouts are often wide and layered, encouraging overtaking through positioning and momentum rather than relying solely on item usage.
Tracks are designed around scale and player choice, often featuring multiple parallel routes that remain competitively balanced throughout an entire lap rather than serving as short-term shortcuts. Environmental hazards, moving platforms, and dynamic weather conditions can change optimal racing lines mid-race, requiring players to adapt strategies on the fly.


Environmental interaction plays a larger role than in previous entries. Tracks frequently feature dynamic elements such as collapsing sections, shifting platforms, moving hazards, and weather effects that alter traction and visibility. These elements can change the optimal racing line mid-race, requiring players to adapt strategies on the fly.
===Vehicle mechanics===
The game features a reworked physics engine prioritising momentum retention and speed management. Drifting mechanics have been redesigned to allow extended chains and manual boost timing, enabling skilled players to store and release drift energy strategically.


===Vehicle handling and physics===
Karts and bikes now exhibit more distinct handling characteristics. Bikes favour agility and precision, while karts emphasise stability and sustained top speed. A revised version of wheelies returns for bikes, providing short acceleration bursts at the cost of increased vulnerability to items.
The game introduces a revised physics model influenced by ''Mario Kart Wii'', prioritising momentum conservation, speed retention, and mechanical execution. Drifting has been redesigned to allow extended chains and more granular boost control, with players able to store and release drift energy strategically rather than automatically triggering boosts.


Bikes and karts now exhibit more pronounced differences in handling. Bikes emphasise agility, tight cornering, and advanced techniques, while karts focus on stability, weight, and sustained speed. Wheelies return in a redesigned form exclusive to bikes, offering short bursts of acceleration at the cost of increased exposure to items and hazards.
===Item system===
Item distribution has been adjusted to reduce randomness while preserving unpredictability. Probability calculations account for player positioning, proximity to opponents, and recent item usage rather than relying solely on placement.


Advanced mechanics such as slipstream chaining, manual boost timing, and corner exit optimisation reward skilled play without being mandatory for casual racers. Assist options remain available to ensure accessibility across skill levels.
New items include the '''Chain Chomp''', which pulls the player forward while colliding with opponents, and '''Boo Swarm''', which steals items from multiple racers. Returning items such as the Blue Shell and Lightning have been modified to allow limited counterplay through defensive timing or environmental avoidance on certain tracks.


===Item system===
===Modes===
The item system has been rebalanced to reduce perceived randomness while preserving the unpredictability central to the series. Item distribution now dynamically accounts for race context, including player performance trends, proximity to opponents, and recent item usage, rather than relying solely on position.
Traditional modes such as Grand Prix, Time Trial, and VS Race return alongside new formats. '''Marathon Cups''' link multiple tracks into continuous races with persistent positioning, while '''Elimination''' removes the last-place racer at set intervals. '''Team Relay''' introduces mid-race driver swaps using designated pit zones.


New items introduced include the '''Chain Chomp''', which drags the player forward while colliding with opponents; the returning '''Pow Block''', which affects all racers unless avoided through precise timing; and '''Boo Swarm''', which steals items from multiple opponents simultaneously.
Battle Mode returns with redesigned arenas and includes Balloon Battle, Coin Runners, and the new '''Territory Clash''' mode, which focuses on zone control.


Legacy items such as the Blue Shell and Lightning have been reworked to introduce limited counterplay. Certain tracks provide environmental avoidance options, while defensive timing windows allow skilled players to mitigate their impact.
Online multiplayer features ranked and unranked matchmaking, seasonal ladders, and spectator functionality. Local multiplayer supports up to four players via split-screen.


===Race formats===
==Development==
In addition to traditional Grand Prix and VS Race modes, ''Mario Kart Switch'' introduces new competitive structures designed to vary pacing and strategy. '''Marathon Cups''' link multiple tracks into extended races with persistent positioning, while '''Elimination''' removes the last-place racer at fixed intervals. '''Team Relay''' modes allow teams to rotate drivers mid-race using designated pit zones, introducing coordination-based play.
{{Quote box
 
|width=24em
===Battle Mode===
|quote="We didn’t want to make something that felt like an extension. If it was just adding more courses, it would have been ''Mario Kart 9''. This time, we wanted to rebuild the foundation."
Battle Mode has been redesigned around large, purpose-built arenas with evolving layouts and objectives. In addition to returning modes such as Balloon Battle and Coin Control, the new '''Territory Clash''' mode tasks teams with capturing and defending zones as arenas dynamically shift.
|author={{mdash}}Producer Kosuke Yabuki
}}
Development of ''Mario Kart Switch'' began in 2020 at [[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development]] following the conclusion of major updates for ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''. The development team opted to delay a new installment until a substantial rethinking of the series was possible.


===Online and multiplayer===
The team cited ''Mario Kart Wii'' as a key influence, particularly its high-speed gameplay and expressive driving techniques. Developers sought to reintroduce mechanical depth without alienating less experienced players by layering advanced systems atop an accessible baseline.
Online multiplayer includes ranked and unranked matchmaking, seasonal competitive ladders, and spectator functionality. Local multiplayer supports up to four players via split-screen, with additional players able to join wirelessly in supported modes.


==Tracks==
Track design shifted toward larger environments with interconnected routes, requiring a rewritten physics engine capable of supporting higher speeds, complex collision interactions, and dynamic environmental systems. The game was designed to scale across Switch hardware revisions, with enhanced performance on successor models.
''Mario Kart Switch'' includes 24 newly designed circuits at launch, alongside a selection of remastered tracks from earlier entries. New tracks emphasise scale and traversal variety, with notable examples including '''Neo Bowser City Rise''', '''Wario Shipyard Run''', '''Skyway Summit''', and '''Koopa Canyon'''. Many tracks feature dynamic events that alter racing conditions during a match, such as structural collapse, weather shifts, or moving obstacles.


==Development==
==Music==
Development of ''Mario Kart Switch'' began in 2020 at Nintendo EPD. Following the unprecedented longevity and commercial success of ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', Nintendo elected to delay a new mainline entry until the development team could justify a substantial evolution of the series rather than a cosmetic update.
The soundtrack was composed by Nintendo’s internal sound team, led by Kenta Nagata, who previously worked on multiple entries in the series. The score features dynamic transitions that respond to race conditions, including position changes and environmental events.


Developers identified ''Mario Kart Wii'' as a key reference point, particularly its emphasis on speed, high skill ceilings, and expressive driving techniques. The challenge, according to the team, was reintroducing mechanical depth without alienating the broad audience that had embraced the accessibility of later entries.
Courses were composed with modular structures to allow seamless transitions during extended race formats such as Marathon Cups. In addition to original compositions, the soundtrack includes rearranged themes from across the ''Mario'' franchise.


Track design underwent a fundamental shift during development, moving away from tightly constrained circuits toward larger environments with interconnected routes and multiple competitive lines. This required a rewritten physics engine capable of supporting higher speeds, more complex collision behaviour, and dynamic environmental systems.
==Release==
''Mario Kart Switch'' was officially revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation in June 2026. Nintendo emphasised the game’s focus on competitive depth and structural innovation rather than open-world experimentation.


Nintendo also focused on scalability across hardware revisions, ensuring stable performance on base Nintendo Switch systems while allowing enhanced resolution, draw distance, and visual effects on successor hardware. The game was officially revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation in June 2026 and was later showcased publicly at Gamescom 2026.
The game was released worldwide on 20 November 2026. It was marketed as a late-generation flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and was bundled with select hardware packages in some regions.


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 93/100
| MC = 92/100
| IGN = 9.5/10
| OC = 96% recommend
| IGN = 9/10
| GSpot = 9/10
| GSpot = 9/10
| EGM = 5/5
| EuroG = 4/5
| Edge = 9/10
}}
}}


Critical reception highlighted the game’s renewed focus on skill-based racing, ambitious track design, and refined online systems. Reviewers frequently compared its impact on the franchise to that of ''Mario Kart Wii'', citing its willingness to challenge established design conventions.
According to review aggregation websites [[Metacritic]] and [[OpenCritic]], ''Mario Kart Switch'' received "universal acclaim". Critics praised the game’s refined physics, ambitious track design, and balance between accessibility and mastery.


Some criticism was directed toward the steeper learning curve compared to ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', particularly within ranked online play, though this was often framed as a deliberate design choice.
Several reviewers compared its impact on the franchise to that of ''Mario Kart Wii'', noting its willingness to reintroduce mechanical risk and player expression. Some criticism was directed toward its steeper learning curve in ranked online play.


==Commercial performance==
===Sales===
''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 engagement and online activity.
''Mario Kart Switch'' debuted at number one in multiple territories. Nintendo reported that the game sold over ten million copies worldwide within its first two months, making it one of the fastest-selling titles of 2026.


==Legacy==
===Accolades===
''Mario Kart Switch'' is widely regarded as a defining entry in the franchise, credited with revitalising competitive interest while preserving the series’ mass-market appeal. It established a new design foundation for future ''Mario Kart'' titles and ongoing competitive play.
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+ Awards and nominations
! Year !! Ceremony !! Category !! Result
|-
| 2026 || The Game Awards || Best Sports/Racing Game || {{Won}}
|-
| 2026 || Golden Joystick Awards || Best Multiplayer Game || {{Nominated}}
|-
| 2027 || D.I.C.E. Awards || Racing Game of the Year || {{Nominated}}
|}


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 96: Line 110:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website|https://www.nintendo.com/mariokartswitch}}
* {{official|https://www.nintendo.com/mariokartswitch}}
 
{{Mario Kart}}
{{Portal bar|Video games}}


[[Category:2026 video games]]
[[Category:2026 video games]]

Revision as of 09:43, 24 January 2026

Lua error in Module:WikidataIB at line 2716: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Mario and several other characters racing at high speed across a multi-layered circuit featuring branching routes and environmental hazards.
Promotional cover art
Developer(s)Nintendo EPD
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Kosuke Yabuki
Producer(s)Kosuke Yabuki
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

Template:Nihongo foot is a 2026 kart racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the ninth mainline installment in the Mario Kart series, following Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017).

Unlike its predecessor, which functioned as an expanded reissue, Mario Kart Switch was designed as a full generational sequel intended to redefine the core systems of the franchise. Nintendo positioned the game as a structural evolution rather than a feature expansion, with changes affecting physics, track design, item balance, and competitive flow.

The game draws explicit inspiration from Mario Kart Wii, particularly its emphasis on speed, momentum, and high-skill techniques, while incorporating modern accessibility options. Tracks are significantly larger and more vertical than in previous entries, with multiple viable routes and dynamic environmental elements that alter race conditions in real time. Races support up to twelve players.

Mario Kart Switch was released worldwide on 20 November 2026. The game received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its mechanical depth, track design, and willingness to challenge established series conventions, while some criticism was directed toward its increased learning curve compared to earlier entries.

Gameplay

See also: Gameplay of Mario Kart
File:Mario Kart Switch gameplay.jpg
A race on Skyway Summit, illustrating the game's multi-route track design and increased verticality.

Mario Kart Switch is a kart racing game in which players control characters from the Mario franchise across a variety of circuits while using items to gain an advantage over opponents. The game retains the series’ accessible controls but introduces a revised physics system and expanded track layouts that significantly alter race dynamics.

Tracks are designed around scale and player choice, often featuring multiple parallel routes that remain competitively balanced throughout an entire lap rather than serving as short-term shortcuts. Environmental hazards, moving platforms, and dynamic weather conditions can change optimal racing lines mid-race, requiring players to adapt strategies on the fly.

Vehicle mechanics

The game features a reworked physics engine prioritising momentum retention and speed management. Drifting mechanics have been redesigned to allow extended chains and manual boost timing, enabling skilled players to store and release drift energy strategically.

Karts and bikes now exhibit more distinct handling characteristics. Bikes favour agility and precision, while karts emphasise stability and sustained top speed. A revised version of wheelies returns for bikes, providing short acceleration bursts at the cost of increased vulnerability to items.

Item system

Item distribution has been adjusted to reduce randomness while preserving unpredictability. Probability calculations account for player positioning, proximity to opponents, and recent item usage rather than relying solely on placement.

New items include the Chain Chomp, which pulls the player forward while colliding with opponents, and Boo Swarm, which steals items from multiple racers. Returning items such as the Blue Shell and Lightning have been modified to allow limited counterplay through defensive timing or environmental avoidance on certain tracks.

Modes

Traditional modes such as Grand Prix, Time Trial, and VS Race return alongside new formats. Marathon Cups link multiple tracks into continuous races with persistent positioning, while Elimination removes the last-place racer at set intervals. Team Relay introduces mid-race driver swaps using designated pit zones.

Battle Mode returns with redesigned arenas and includes Balloon Battle, Coin Runners, and the new Territory Clash mode, which focuses on zone control.

Online multiplayer features ranked and unranked matchmaking, seasonal ladders, and spectator functionality. Local multiplayer supports up to four players via split-screen.

Development

"We didn’t want to make something that felt like an extension. If it was just adding more courses, it would have been Mario Kart 9. This time, we wanted to rebuild the foundation."

—Producer Kosuke Yabuki

Development of Mario Kart Switch began in 2020 at Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development following the conclusion of major updates for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The development team opted to delay a new installment until a substantial rethinking of the series was possible.

The team cited Mario Kart Wii as a key influence, particularly its high-speed gameplay and expressive driving techniques. Developers sought to reintroduce mechanical depth without alienating less experienced players by layering advanced systems atop an accessible baseline.

Track design shifted toward larger environments with interconnected routes, requiring a rewritten physics engine capable of supporting higher speeds, complex collision interactions, and dynamic environmental systems. The game was designed to scale across Switch hardware revisions, with enhanced performance on successor models.

Music

The soundtrack was composed by Nintendo’s internal sound team, led by Kenta Nagata, who previously worked on multiple entries in the series. The score features dynamic transitions that respond to race conditions, including position changes and environmental events.

Courses were composed with modular structures to allow seamless transitions during extended race formats such as Marathon Cups. In addition to original compositions, the soundtrack includes rearranged themes from across the Mario franchise.

Release

Mario Kart Switch was officially revealed during a Nintendo Direct presentation in June 2026. Nintendo emphasised the game’s focus on competitive depth and structural innovation rather than open-world experimentation.

The game was released worldwide on 20 November 2026. It was marketed as a late-generation flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and was bundled with select hardware packages in some regions.

Reception

According to review aggregation websites Metacritic and OpenCritic, Mario Kart Switch received "universal acclaim". Critics praised the game’s refined physics, ambitious track design, and balance between accessibility and mastery.

Several reviewers compared its impact on the franchise to that of Mario Kart Wii, noting its willingness to reintroduce mechanical risk and player expression. Some criticism was directed toward its steeper learning curve in ranked online play.

Sales

Mario Kart Switch debuted at number one in multiple territories. Nintendo reported that the game sold over ten million copies worldwide within its first two months, making it one of the fastest-selling titles of 2026.

Accolades

Awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Result
2026 The Game Awards Best Sports/Racing Game Won
2026 Golden Joystick Awards Best Multiplayer Game Nominated
2027 D.I.C.E. Awards Racing Game of the Year Nominated

Notes

  1. ↑ Released as a cross-generation title with performance enhancements on successor hardware.

References

External links

Template:Mario Kart Template:Portal bar

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