Mario Kart 9might be the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 if it can live up to the expectations that players have for it. After the stellar DLC forMario Kart 8,Mario Kart 9needs to double down on its crossover content, and theZeldaseries offers the perfect opportunity.
Mario Karthas become a staple of Nintendo consoles, with most new hardware from the company receiving its own new version of the fan-favorite series. The Nintendo Switch, however, is one exception to this rule, instead only getting a port ofMario Kart 8with additional content. Perhaps this is what has players so excited aboutMario Kart 9, which is confirmed as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Another thing that has Nintendo fans talking, though, is the prospect ofmore crossover content inMario Kart 9, similar to what was delivered inMario Kart 8’s DLC. By including content from franchises likeAnimal Crossing,F-Zero, andSplatoon, Nintendo may have opened a Pandora’s box, as fans are now hoping for even more crossovers in the next game. If this is the route that the company plans on taking,The Legend of Zelda’sTears of the Kingdommight be the perfect source of new content.
Tears of the Kingdom Should be Front and Center in Mario Kart 9
While theZeldaseries has always been one of Nintendo’s most popular, it’s safe to say thatBreath of the Wild, and, by extension,Tears of the Kingdom, skyrocketed the franchise to the greatest heights yet. As two of the highest-selling games on the Switch, no game has earned a spot inMario Kart 9’s crossovers like they have.Tears of the Kingdomeven provided the perfect basis for karting add-ons.Using the Ultrahand to create vehiclesis one of the most popular and important side activities in the game. The Zonai wheels, batteries, fans, and other devices could create a stunning go-kart for Link or Zelda inMario Kart 9.
Tears of the Kingdomalso took the landscape of Hyrule to new heights, and new depths, as well, ensuring that aZelda-themed track could have some excellent scenery. Inspiration for racetracks could come from anywhere, butTears of the Kingdom’s Hyrule has some particular standouts. One side quest sees Link plan a race for Lurelin Village, and one fromBreath of the Wildsees him racing sand seals in the Gerudo Desert. But by far the most interesting location inTears of the Kingdomis the depths. With so manyquests in the depths of Hyrule, a racetrack would fit right in among the corrupted landscape.
Mario Kart Crossovers Should be Here to Stay
IfTears of the Kingdomisn’t inspiration enough, other Nintendo franchises are deserving of inclusion as well.Nintendo could useMario Kart 9to celebrate the Switch’s legacy, including crossovers of the best-selling games of the last generation as well as hyping players up for their next installments. Games likeAnimal Crossing: New Horizons,Metroid Prime 4, andSplatoon 3could all inspire excellent karts, tracks, and battlefields for Mario and friends to visit.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxeincluded:
It seems that theMario Kartseries might become a celebration of Nintendo in the same vein as theSuper Smash Bros.games. Withnew characters likely on the way inMario Kart 9, it’s even possible that Nintendo franchises that haven’t been inMario Kartbefore could make an appearance. The likes ofKirby,Star Fox, andMetroidcould find new appreciation on the racetrack just like they have on the battlefield. Although no crossovers have been confirmed forMario Kart 9, fans are hopeful that the upcoming game will deliver on the promise of its potential.
