Mario Kart World Drops Numbering, Expands Scope for Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo has officially unveiled Mario Kart World as a launch title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, ushering in a new chapter in the company’s flagship racing franchise.

This highly anticipated release marks a significant departure from the traditional numbered naming convention that last appeared in Mario Kart 8, defying longstanding fan expectations of a "Mario Kart 9" successor. In a recent installment of Nintendo’s "Ask the Developer" interview series, producer Kosuke Yabuki offered insights into the reasoning behind the name change.

Yabuki explained that the development team deliberately moved away from sequential numbering because their vision for the new title went far beyond simply adding more courses or incremental content.

"If our intent had only been to create additional circuits, the natural step would have been to call the game Mario Kart 9," Yabuki stated.

"However, our approach for this project was to elevate the series and redefine its boundaries.

From the early stages of development, we decided to move forward with the distinct title, Mario Kart World, and even incorporated it into the initial concept artwork." This reveal was accompanied by early concept art highlighting the global scope and ambition of the new title.

Other notable information from the developer discussion includes the revelation that development for Mario Kart World originally began on the first Nintendo Switch back in 2017, before transitioning to become a flagship experience for the Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Kart World is set for a simultaneous worldwide release alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2024.

The title promises expanded features and a fresh approach designed to secure Mario Kart's legacy for both long-time fans and newcomers.

With Switch 2 compatibility and a bold, forward-looking design, Mario Kart World is poised to become a cornerstone of Nintendo’s next-generation lineup.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Nintendo Switch Mario Kart World Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch Kart Kosuke Yabuki Ask the Developer