Nintendo says Mario Kart World isn't called Mario Kart 9 because simply adding more courses wasn't the plan "this time" "We wanted to take the series to the next level"

Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:25 pm

Mario Kart World: Why It's Not Mario Kart 9, and What to Expect

Nintendo has revealed the reasoning behind the name of the upcoming Switch 2 exclusive, *Mario Kart World*, and it's more than just a simple numbering change. According to Nintendo, the decision to forgo *Mario Kart 9* was driven by a desire to "take the series to the next level." This means *Mario Kart World* aims to be a significant evolution, not just a collection of new courses.

Development on *Mario Kart World* began in 2017 as an original Switch title. However, the team ultimately decided to embrace an open-world design, a shift influenced by the success of *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe*, which "perfected the formula" the series had been using for 25 years. This new approach allows the game to "blur the line" between what constitutes a traditional course, promising a fresh racing experience.

The developers also shared insights into their creative process, revealing that playtesters who aren't particularly skilled at *Mario Kart* are actually "favorites" in the office. Their fresh perspective helps identify areas where the game might be confusing or challenging for players. *Mario Kart World* is set to have its own dedicated Nintendo Direct this month, so fans can expect more details soon.

Keywords: Mario Kart World, Mario Kart 9, Nintendo Switch 2, open-world, racing game, Nintendo Direct, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Switch exclusive, new courses, playtesters, Kosuke Yabuki, Switch 2 games

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