Mario Kart World and Zelda Switch 2 Editions: Internal Codenames Revealed by Nintendo

Nintendo's legacy of innovation in the gaming industry is underscored not only by the stellar titles it releases but also by the meticulous development behind the scenes.

Recent findings have thrown light on the internal project names (codenames) used by Nintendo for several blockbuster titles, offering rare insight into the company’s creative process throughout the development of its most iconic games. Mario Kart World, one of Nintendo’s highly anticipated releases, has been confirmed—following thorough verification of materials related to its production—to carry the internal project codename “Drive.” This tradition of using action-themed codenames has precedent within the Mario Kart franchise: "Dash" was used internally for Mario Kart 7, "Turbo" for Mario Kart 8, and "Charger" for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass.

The pattern highlights a playful yet systematic approach by Nintendo’s development teams, reflecting each entry's core game mechanics and conceptual direction. Additionally, concrete evidence confirms that "U-King-O" and "EX-King-O" are the project codenames for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, respectively.

The naming convention draws from their original Nintendo Switch designations ("U-King" for Breath of the Wild and "EX-King" for Tears of the Kingdom) with updated suffixes to designate their association with new hardware.

The appended "O" in these codenames is shorthand for "Ounce," which refers internally to the Nintendo Switch 2 platform, as disclosed by credible leaks earlier in 2024.

By contrast, the original Nintendo Switch was designated by the codename "NX" during its development cycle. This insight into the workflow at Nintendo once again demonstrates the company’s organizational rigor and consistency in managing its intellectual properties across hardware generations.

The careful selection and recurrence of codenames offer a glimpse into the broader development environment, highlighting Nintendo's strategic planning from conceptualization to release.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild remains one of the bestselling titles on the Nintendo Switch, with global sales surpassing 30 million units as of early 2024.

Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, quickly garnered critical acclaim and chart-topping sales following its release.

With both titles set to receive Nintendo Switch 2 editions, anticipation runs high for enhanced gameplay experiences matching the next-generation hardware’s capabilities. As Nintendo continues to expand its celebrated portfolio on the Nintendo Switch and prepares for the arrival of Switch 2, these revelations about game development codenames enrich the broader narrative of the company’s enduring creativity and technical excellence.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for official announcements and further reveals as the next era of Nintendo hardware and exclusive game content draws nearer.

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