Why Mario Kart World Isn't Called Mario Kart 9: Insights from Nintendo Developer Interview

Nintendo has provided new insight into the creative direction behind Mario Kart World, the highly anticipated entry in the iconic racing franchise.

In the debut developer interview, Mario Kart World’s producer Kosuke Yabuki detailed the reasoning for the game’s departure from the series’ traditional naming convention, specifically addressing why the latest release is not titled Mario Kart 9. Since its inception, the Mario Kart series has captivated players across various Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, by continuously evolving its gameplay and style.

With the announcement of Mario Kart World, longtime fans immediately noticed the absence of a numerical sequel—an unusual change in a series known for its legacy-measured installments.

Yabuki explained that the decision to drop the numbering was made early in development.

"If the intent had only been to add more courses, then we likely would have named it Mario Kart 9," Yabuki stated.

However, the development team sought a significantly more ambitious approach.

By conceptualizing Mario Kart World as a fully interconnected environment rather than a collection of separate tracks, they aimed to elevate the experience and explore new technological possibilities.

According to Yabuki, even the game’s earliest concept art prominently featured the 'Mario Kart World' title, underscoring the team's consistent vision from the start. The inspiration for a more unified world structure stemmed from advances in modern gaming hardware, particularly the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch.

In previous Mario Kart entries, races and environments were segmented into individual courses with clear start and finish lines.

This time, Yabuki and his team envisioned a gaming landscape where players could seamlessly transition across diverse regions without the traditional boundaries.

"With what these consoles let us do today, creating one, vast, interconnected world was now achievable," Yabuki clarified.

This leap toward a cohesive, expansive world marks a first for the franchise, reinforcing why a new era—and a new name—were appropriate. Mario Kart World represents not only an evolution in gameplay mechanics but also a reimagining of how the franchise can grow alongside Nintendo’s latest hardware.

It underscores Nintendo’s continued commitment to innovation, backed by the immense popularity the series has found on the Nintendo Switch, which has routinely set sales milestones via both physical and eShop releases.

As fans await further updates from Nintendo Direct presentations and official announcements, the rationale behind the Mario Kart World name sets expectations for a bold new direction.

By departing from tradition, Nintendo is signaling that Mario Kart World is more than just the next number in line—it’s an ambitious leap intended to redefine what players expect from the ultimate kart racer.

Mario Kart Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Mario Kart 9 Kart Kosuke Yabuki Nintendo Switch