Mario Kart 9 lacks appeal as a Switch 2 launch title, according to former Nintendo PR Manager

Gamers may need to wait until the April 2nd Nintendo Direct for confirmed Switch 2 launch titles. However, Mario Kart was one of the few games seen during Nintendo's January reveal of the new console. That has led gamers to think Mario Kart 9, or whatever it's called, will be integral to initial Switch 2 marketing. Despite the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a former Nintendo PR Manager doesn't think a new kart racer will convince buyers to purchase the system.

Krysta Yang provided some surprising commentary on a recent Kit & Krysta podcast. The one-time Nintendo employee can't imagine how Mario Kart 9 would maximize the potential of the Switch 2. Instead, she points to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a 3D open-world title launched with the original Switch. Gamers had the freedom to explore Hyrule in a way that was impossible with its predecessors.

The Kit & Krysta podcast also noted how invested players are in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo's racer is an upgraded version of the 2014 Mario Kart 8 but is jam-packed with characters and tracks. With over 70 million copies sold, players would need an incentive to purchase a new game.

Yang fails to see how Nintendo could further innovate Mario Kart. Yet, the comments under the YouTube video show support for Mario Kart 9 as a Switch 2 launch title. One viewer replied: "The only problem Nintendo is going to have with this game is keeping up with the demand for it."

Mario Kart 8 arrived over 10 years ago, and other gamers believe it's overdue for a new version. One debated Switch 2 leak suggested that the console would boast a 120Hz refresh rate with VRR. Racing games benefit from cutting-edge displays, which keep their blistering fast action smooth with low latency.

The Switch 2 reveal showed 24 starting positions in Mario Kart 9, double that of the existing title. Revamped character models, including Donkey Kong, were also spotted. Considering Nintendo's ability to surprise, players are wondering what other changes the new game will offer.