With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass now fully available, fans are eagerly anticipating the future with a potential Mario Kart 9. Following the triumph of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch, it's plausible that Nintendo is preparing a sequel for the next console release. To exceed the content richness of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart 9 might integrate a key element from another Nintendo series, setting a new bar for innovation in the iconic franchise.
The Booster Course Pass brought extensive content to invigorate Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, including 48 fresh tracks and eight new playable characters. With 96 tracks, 48 characters, and the innovative zero-gravity feature, Mario Kart 9 faces the challenge of enhancing what many deem the ultimate Mario Kart experience. To outshine Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart 9 could introduce a new mode inspired by the F-Zero series, promising an unparalleled racing adventure on Nintendo's upcoming platform.
Mario Kart 9: Drawing Inspiration from F-Zero
F-Zero is among the most requested Nintendo series for a revival, known for its high-speed racing gameplay and association with Captain Falcon in Super Smash Bros. Fans have clamored for a new F-Zero installment, especially after F-Zero tracks featured in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the arrival of F-Zero 99. While a new mainline F-Zero game seems distant, Nintendo could cater to enthusiasts by incorporating more F-Zero elements in an upcoming Mario Kart iteration.
Traditionally, F-Zero offered intense racing compared to Mario Kart's casual approach, but with the F-Zero series dormant, Mario Kart has amassed a devoted following. Consequently, Mario Kart 9 might blend F-Zero features with the classic Mario Kart gameplay, satisfying both casual and hardcore fans. With existing F-Zero content in Mario Kart, Nintendo could strengthen the bond between these franchises by amplifying F-Zero elements in Mario Kart 9.
Mario Kart 9: Expanding on F-Zero References in MK8
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's 200cc mode poses significant challenges, demanding players to navigate courses at extreme speeds. Yet, these speeds pale in comparison to F-Zero, hinting at a potential mode in Mario Kart 9 surpassing 200cc and resembling F-Zero gameplay. While high-speed races could entice seasoned players, they would need distinctiveness in Mario Kart 9 to differentiate from the standard races, aligning with the unique feel of F-Zero races.
For such a mode to excel, Mario Kart 9 must craft exclusive tracks, perhaps expanding on existing F-Zero tracks like Big Blue and Mute City in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Given the extreme speeds in F-Zero, its tracks are tailored for swift navigation, avoiding hindrances present in traditional Mario Kart tracks. Mario Kart 9 could introduce variants of standard tracks optimized for this F-Zero-style mode, streamlining them for the intense speed increase, omitting certain hazards for a seamless experience.