Mario Kart 9 Release Date Remains Uncertain

It’s been a decade since Mario Kart 8 hit the scene, and while fans have enjoyed updates like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in 2017, the mobile spinoff Mario Kart Tour in 2019, and the AR experiment Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit in 2020, there’s still one big thing missing: Mario Kart 9. Nintendo has been tight-lipped about the next installment in the beloved franchise, but new rumors are stirring up plenty of chatter.

According to Nintendo insider Samus Hunter, Mario Kart 9 won’t be arriving alongside the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 console, which is expected to launch next year. This update challenges earlier reports suggesting the new Mario Kart could debut with the console. The insider, known for accurate leaks like their scoop on Xenoblade Chronicles X for Switch, shared that while the game isn’t slated for the Switch 2 launch, its release in 2025 remains uncertain.

What’s the holdup? Well, reports from as far back as 2023 claim Mario Kart 9 could be one of the most expensive projects Nintendo has ever tackled. The investment seems to be focused heavily on the game’s visuals, with the goal of creating something “absolutely jaw-dropping.” If true, it’s no surprise Nintendo is taking its time; Mario Kart 8 has set a high bar as the best-selling Nintendo game of all time, and fans are expecting nothing short of perfection from the next chapter.

These delays and rumors make sense when you consider how long Mario Kart 8 has dominated the kart-racing landscape. Nintendo likely wants Mario Kart 9 to have the same longevity, potentially spanning multiple console generations.

As with any rumors, fans should temper their expectations. While Samus Hunter has a solid track record, plans can always change. And Nintendo? True to form, the company hasn’t said a word about these claims—or any of the other whispers surrounding Mario Kart 9.

What do you think about the latest rumors surrounding Mario Kart 9? Are you hoping for a 2025 release, or do you think Nintendo should take all the time they need to perfect the game? Drop your thoughts below and let us know how you feel!