Nintendo Reveals Why Mario Kart World Replaces Mario Kart 9

Nintendo recently shared compelling insights about its upcoming Switch 2 launch title, Mario Kart World, in a developer roundtable interview. The company revealed why the game is not named Mario Kart 9, despite being a sequel to the highly successful Mario Kart 8.

Producer Kosuke Yabuki explained that the decision to rename the game stems from a fundamental shift in design philosophy. Instead of merely adding more courses, the development team aimed to elevate the series with an open-world approach, prompting the new title Mario Kart World from the early concept stages.

The interview also highlighted the challenges faced during development on the original Nintendo Switch. Programming director Kenta Sato noted that hardware limitations forced compromises such as lowering resolution, visuals, and frame rates. The transition to the more powerful Switch 2 was described as a "ray of hope," enabling the implementation of ambitious features like an interconnected map and increasing the maximum number of players in a race from 12 to 24.

Beyond gameplay mechanics, the developers shared intriguing details such as the inclusion of 200 tracks and the role of food in worldbuilding. Additionally, the roster features a unique character named Cow, which art director Masaaki Ishikawa described as pivotal to the Mario Kart series, adding a fresh narrative element.

Mario Kart World represents a significant evolution in Nintendo’s flagship racing franchise, leveraging next-generation hardware to deliver an expansive, immersive experience. This strategic pivot from traditional sequels to innovative open-world design sets a new benchmark for game development on modern consoles.