The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer has given fans a brief glimpse into the upcoming Mario Kart game, but it’s left many questions unanswered. Fans are speculating about the new twist in the series, with three main theories emerging: an open-world design, off-road sections, and a celebration of Mario’s history.
One theory suggests that this may be the first Mario Kart game to take the series “open world.” The trailer shows a starting line with the location revealed as “Mario Bros. Circuit,” but it could be part of a hub world where players can pull up to the start line. The absence of item boxes in the gameplay footage has led some to believe that this is not an official race setting, but rather a lobby-like open-world area.
The presence of a glowing yellow object underneath Yoshi’s drive-thru and a “1-Up Fuel” logo on Mario’s kart have further fueled the fuel theory, suggesting the addition of manual speed boost or car customization elements. The final camera zoom out reveals a vast desert setting, which could be hinting at an open-world design.
Another theory proposes that this may feature off-road sections, supported by details such as lack of barriers and a ramp for drivers to leap onto. Rosalina’s vehicle in the trailer is also equipped with skis, suggesting the possibility of sandy dunes and snowy conditions.
Lastly, some speculate that this new Mario Kart game will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., with designs inspired by classic games like Super Mario World and Super Mario Sunshine. The track seen in the trailer has an American setting and a glowing sign displaying Shine Sprite from Super Mario Sunshine, leaving room for speculation about other classic-inspired tracks.
The true twist remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – fans are excited to dive deeper into the gameplay footage and theories surrounding this new Mario Kart game.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/what-is-mario-kart-9s-new-twist