Is There a New Mario Kart Coming Out in 2023? Let’s Dive In!

No, there will not be a brand-new Mario Kart game released in 2023. Nintendo continued to support Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with its Booster Course Pass throughout the year. This extensive DLC ensured the continued relevance and popularity of the existing title, making a full new release in the same year unlikely.

But that doesn’t mean the Mario Kart world is standing still! Let’s explore the current state of the franchise, the future possibilities, and everything in between. Buckle up, and let’s zoom into the world of Mario Kart!

The Continued Reign of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has been an absolute juggernaut for Nintendo. Originally released on the Wii U and then enhanced and re-released on the Nintendo Switch, it has consistently topped sales charts and remains one of the most popular games on the console. Nintendo’s strategy of releasing the Booster Course Pass DLC was a brilliant move. It breathed new life into the game by adding a whopping 48 new tracks, effectively doubling the course selection. This strategy allows them to continue generating revenue from the current game and gives fans more content to enjoy.

The final wave of the Booster Course Pass, Wave 6, was released on November 9th, 2023. This means that Nintendo was actively providing new Mario Kart content right up until the end of the year. This solidifies that 2023 was all about continued support for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, not the launch of a completely new title.

Mario Kart 9 and the Rumor Mill

While no new Mario Kart game was released in 2023, the rumors surrounding a potential Mario Kart 9 (or whatever the next installment will be called) are constantly swirling. Many fans and industry insiders speculate about the future of the franchise.

The Potential for Mario Kart 9

So, when could we realistically expect a new Mario Kart game? Considering the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the recent DLC rollout, a 2024 release seemed improbable. The article states, “Mario Kart 9 is a new installment in the Mario Kart series which is the 10th Mario Kart game and will be exclusive for the Nintendo Switch which will be released in the spring of 2025.” While unconfirmed, it is possible for the game to release spring 2025.

FAQs: Your Burning Mario Kart Questions Answered!

Here are some frequently asked questions that will further illuminate the current landscape of the Mario Kart universe:

1. Will there be a Mario Kart 9? The future is uncertain, but given the series’ popularity and Nintendo’s track record, it’s highly likely that a new Mario Kart game will eventually be released. However, Nintendo will likely ride the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for as long as they can.
2. When will Mario Kart 9 be released? This is the million-dollar question! While speculation runs rampant, there is no official release date. Many believe it could be released sometime during 2025. As always, take these predictions with a grain of salt.
3. Will Mario Kart 9 be a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2? This is a very popular theory. Releasing a flagship title like Mario Kart alongside a new console would be a powerful way to drive sales. However, this is still just speculation.
4. Is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe still worth buying in 2023 (and beyond)? Absolutely! With the addition of the Booster Course Pass, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers an incredible amount of content. The gameplay is polished, the online community is active, and it’s a blast to play with friends and family.
5. What was included in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass Wave 6? Wave 6 added eight new courses and several new racers, including Peachette, Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, and Pauline. The courses included favorites from previous Mario Kart games, offering both nostalgia and fresh challenges.
6. How many courses are in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with the Booster Course Pass? With the Booster Course Pass, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a total of 96 courses, making it the Mario Kart game with the most tracks ever.
7. Will Nintendo release more DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? As of now, there are no announced plans for further DLC beyond the Booster Course Pass. It seems Nintendo is focusing on potential future installments or other projects.
8. What new features could Mario Kart 9 introduce? The possibilities are endless! Some features fans have suggested include new gameplay mechanics, a more robust story mode, more customization options, and expanded online features. A game mode that emphasizes learning would be a fun addition. See how the Games Learning Society approaches learning through play at GamesLearningSociety.org.
9. Will Mario Kart 9 have new characters? It’s highly probable that a new Mario Kart game would introduce new characters to the roster. Who these characters might be remains a mystery, but fan favorites like King Boo, Kamek, and more obscure characters from the Mario universe are always possibilities.
10. Will Mario Kart 9 have cross-platform play? This is a feature many players would love to see. Cross-platform play would allow players on different consoles (e.g., Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox) to race against each other. While Nintendo has been hesitant to fully embrace cross-platform play in the past, it’s becoming increasingly common in the industry.
11. Will Mario Kart 9 be on the Nintendo Switch or a new console? This is another key question. If Mario Kart 9 is indeed a launch title for a new Nintendo console, it could be a significant selling point for the new hardware. However, it’s also possible that Nintendo could release it on the current Switch, or even as a cross-generation title.
12. Are there any other Mario Kart spin-offs in development? As of right now, there are no officially announced Mario Kart spin-offs. However, Nintendo is always experimenting with new ideas, so it’s certainly possible that something could be in the works. A Mario Kart RPG, perhaps?
13. What made Mario Kart 8 Deluxe so successful? Several factors contributed to its success. Polished gameplay, a large roster of characters, a wide variety of tracks, robust online multiplayer, and the convenience of playing on the Nintendo Switch all played a role.
14. Will classic Mario Kart tracks ever be remade again? The success of the Booster Course Pass, which included remakes of classic tracks, suggests that Nintendo is open to revisiting and updating older content. We may see even more beloved tracks from previous Mario Kart games reimagined in future installments.
15. What are some alternatives to Mario Kart? If you’re itching for a kart racing fix but can’t wait for the next Mario Kart, there are other options available. Games like Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, Team Sonic Racing, and Nickelodeon Kart Racers offer similar gameplay experiences with different characters and settings.

The Road Ahead

While 2023 didn’t bring a new Mario Kart game, the future of the franchise remains bright. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to thrive, and the anticipation for the next installment is palpable. Whether it arrives as a launch title for a new console or as a standalone release on the Switch, one thing is certain: the next Mario Kart game will undoubtedly be a major event for Nintendo fans worldwide.

Keep your eyes peeled for future announcements, rumors, and speculation. The race for the future of Mario Kart is on!