Mario Kart 9 rumours: Switch 2's new Mario Kart explained
Start your engines?
When it comes to racing games, there aren't many that are bigger or more recognisable than Mario Kart.
Since 1992, Nintendo's red-hatted plumber has taken to the starting grid along with a whole host of other characters for players to see who's the fastest of them all.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer showcased an unreleased Mario Kart game, sparking plenty of conversation on its potential release date and when we'll hear more information.
So, what's the latest on Mario Kart 9? Keep on reading for all the latest news and rumours so far!
Why are people talking about Mario Kart 9?
![radio times switch 2 mario kart The Nintendo Switch 2 running an unannounced Mario Kart game.](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/01/radio-times-switch-2-mario-kart-c50c96f.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
Mario Kart 9 has become a hot topic of conversation after a short snippet of an unreleased game appeared during the reveal trailer for the Switch 2.
At one minute and 41 seconds, you can see Mario and numerous other Nintendo characters racing around a track set in the desert.
Despite the first look at gameplay, Nintendo hasn't shared any details on a release date, leaving many assuming it's one title that will launch alongside the console.
Once more information appears, we'll be sure to update the page with an exact release date and more!
What are people saying about Mario Kart 9?
After Mario Kart 9 seemingly appeared during the trailer, fans were quick to share their thoughts on the latest instalment of the series.
Many noticed a total of 24 grid slots at the start/finish line, suggesting huge races and even more on-track competition.
Some eagle-eyed fans spotted the presence of a petrol station and vehicles having fuel tanks. Are the days of unlimited boosts over?
While many believe the unreleased Mario Kart will be named Mario Kart 9, some believe it will be Mario Kart 10 if Nintendo decides to count Mario Kart Tour as nine.
When will we learn more about Mario Kart 9?
We expect to hear more about Mario Kart 9 on 4th April 2025 during the next Nintendo Direct.
The presentation will be shown on Nintendo UK's YouTube channel which can be found on its channel.
Check out more of our Nintendo Switch 2 coverage:
- Nintendo Switch 2 release date - when does it come out?
- Nintendo Switch 2 price - how much does it cost?
- Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders - where to buy
- Nintendo Switch 2 vs original Switch - what are the differences?
- Nintendo Switch 2 Experience - how to try out the new console in person
- Do Switch 2 games work on Switch 1? - are there Switch 2 exclusives?
- Switch 2 backwards compatibility explained - can you play OG Switch games on Switch 2?
- Switch 2 games - confirmed and predicted games
When will Mario Kart 9 come out? Our prediction
![mario-kart-9-nintendo-switch-2 Image of Mario Kart running on a Nintendo Switch 2](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/01/mario-kart-9-nintendo-switch-2-5f98786.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,466)
We expect Mario Kart 9 to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, which is expected to arrive in June 2025.
Of course, we'll have to wait for official confirmation to see if the game is bundled together with the console or a standalone title.
As soon as we hear more about its release date, we'll update the page with the latest information.
Read more on Nintendo:
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- The very best Nintendo Switch games
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- Nintendo Direct - when is the next live stream?
- Best Nintendo Switch micro SD cards to buy
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- The best Nintendo Switch Lite games - take these on the go
- How to connect Nintendo Switch to TV
Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Jon Nicholson is a Freelance Gaming Writer, specialising in the Call of Duty franchise. He previously worked for Gfinity, GGRecon and Red Bull writing a variety of gaming news and guides. Alongside his previous work, he's a Freelance News Writer for Esports Insider.