Will Nintendo Drop Mario Kart 9 for Switch 2 Soon

Nintendo's iconic racing game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, continues to smash sales records even after seven and a half years of its release. In a recent financial report, Nintendo revealed that the game sold an additional 2.31 million units between April and September, bringing its total sales to an astonishing 64.27 million copies. This impressive number positions Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as the best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch, surpassing other major titles including Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which stands at 46.45 million copies. The enduring appeal of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be attributed to its fun gameplay, making it a staple title for new Switch owners. As holiday sales approach, the focus now shifts to the potential release of a sequel, Mario Kart 9, for the rumored Switch 2, or whether Nintendo will enhance the existing game through next-gen updates and continued backwards compatibility.

While Nintendo has not confirmed details about Switch 2, analysts suggest that a sequel might not be announced this year. Instead, the release could happen in the next fiscal year, which begins in April 2025, indicating that Nintendo may choose to extend the life of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe instead of rushing a new entry into the franchise.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, launched in 2017, revitalized the classic franchise with new features and content, captivating both new and returning players. Its mechanics and competitive multiplayer mode have kept the player base engaged, leading to significant longevity in a competitive gaming landscape.