James Bell is here with an analysis of the trending "Nintendo Kart" topic following the announcement of Mario Kart 9, and why it may not be the best approach for the series.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe feels like the quintessential Mario Kart experience, and the Booster Course Pack makes Mario Kart 9 unneeded right now.
I know this take will upset people who are eagerly awaiting MK9 (or 10, if you’re counting the mobile game), but when we agree that MK8 nails the gameplay as much as can be expected, and doesn’t need changing, then why not just keep building on MK8, upgrading it for their next console, but keeping all content we have so far, and simply just keep adding to that.
Yeah, I would like to see more Nintendo characters/locations getting added, and yeah, I’d love a Mario Kart ‘Maker’, where you can design your own tracks, but all that could be added to what is already there in MK8.
When EA create a new FIFA or Madden each year at full price, we all know they could easily release DLC with new team rosters at a lower price instead. The gameplay never changes. This is what Nintendo has done with MK. I can't fault them.
The DLC is an uninspired and lazy effort they simply took all the tracks from the mobile version and inserted them into mk8 deluxe with no attempt at bringing the graphics and art style in line with mk 8 which makes these tracks look so much worse.
Dan Rizzo says "I don’t know? I’m possibly within the minority that believe Mario Kart 9 is farfetched for fans right now, and that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is still doing gangbuster numbers for Nintendo to even consider dumping it for a fresh take on one of their cornerstone franchises. If there’s a story to be told right now with the Nintendo Switch, is its ability to take what’s old and make it new – at least for a lacklustre generation which the Wii U suffered."
I have had it since day 1 for Wii U. It has been 8 years since it came out. I am happy about the new tracks, but how about a sequel to Diddy Kong racing. That would be fantastic.
Nintendo is the one that doesn't need it - especially 8 Deluxe continues to sell so well.
I love MK. But all MK are good. MK64, MK Double Dash, MK7, even the Snes version. I dont see big evolution since MK64. All versions are great.
Good to know I’m not alone in thinking this. Besides a new gimmick, what could Mario Kart 9 bring to the table on Switch? The Switch isn’t that much more powerful than WiiU, so it’s not like Mario Kart 9 on Switch would look vastly different. I’d much rather wait and be wowed by the visuals of a Switch 2 Mario Kart 9 launch title.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Switch game and The Booster Course Pass will only ensure its legacy.
The visuals and gameplay are already fine and obv it still sells a lot. Id say definately just wait til the switch successor for a new entry which Im sure is what theyre planning. Dlc is better than no new mario kart for the rest of the switchs life.
“Following the announcement of Mario Kart 9” Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t that imply that Nintendo has indeed announced Mario Kart 9? I’m legit confused
Mario Kart needs to keep expanding the series and characters it represents. They made great decisions putting Zelda, Splatoon and Animal Crossing characters in. Next do Metroid, FZero, Xenoblade, possibly open up the series like they did for Smash to guest characters as well
mario kart 9 has not being announced yet.
It's cute people think MK9 is being announced soon. Though in the case of this article they got themselves so hyped they took the rumors as if it was officially announced already. When you combine both versions of MK8 it brings the total to over 50 million. On a given quarter MK8D still sells 1 million all these years later.
Normally Mario Kart games come out around 3 years after the last entry so I have no doubt 9 or what ever it will come to be called is deep in development. With the continued success of MK8D I imagine Nintendo is keen on waiting until the Switch's successor is out. They might even do a duel release like they did with BOTW. In fact I think it's pretty much guarenteed Nintendo will go the duel release route given the Switchs install base. Either way it's going to be a while before 9 hits shelves.