Leaker Gives Massive Update On Next Mario Kart Game
The Lakitu Bros. are getting ready to wave the chequered flag once again, as there's a potentially massive update on what's next for Mario Kart. It's been five years since Mario Kart 8 Deluxe raced its way onto the Switch, so safe to say, we're revving our engines to know what's next.
Looking at the bigger picture, it's actually been even longer since Mario Kart 8 first released on the Wii U (in 2014). There are arguments that 2020's Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a successor to Deluxe, but come on, who's really buying that?
What's Next For Mario Kart?
The inside track comes from regular Nintendo leaker, Leaky Pandy. Here, they claim the next Mario Kart will be revealed in 2022 and will be called Mario Kart 10 or Mario Kart: Crossroads. They aren't sure which name will stick, but it's the most we've heard on the racing series in a while.
We recently covered how Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's record sales of 38.74 million copies had us worried about Mario Kart 9. Just like the success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo is unlikely to move onto a new entry when its predecessor is doing so well.
The latest news is a refreshing move away from that, and although Smash Bros. seems unlikely to return for now, there could be some gas left in the Mario Kart tank. Speaking of Smash, it's interesting that Leaky Pandy claims Mario Kart 10 will feature multiple IPs.
Just like Smash has become known for including everyone from Persona's Joker to Kingdom Hearts' Sora, Mario Kart could fill the void by adding an impressive roster of racers. We've seen Link and R.O.B. jump in karts, but this could be the start of a whole goldmine of IP crossovers.
Where Is Mario Kart 9?
Here's the interesting thing. It looks increasingly likely that Nintendo is classing Home Circuit as Mario Kart 9. While this might seem disappointing to some, it would fit with the idea that the developer is ditching a numerical numbering system and going back to more creative names.
Back at the height of the series, Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart: Double Dash!! sound much better than Mario Kart 2 and Mario Kart 4. Let's be honest, they're more memorable than the forgettable Mario Kart 7. Interestingly, the name Mario Kart: Crossroads could come with Resident Evil Village-inspired naming for cross/X being the 10th game in the series.
As with all these things, we'll have to take these 'leaks' with a pinch of salt. However, with rumours of 2022's first Nintendo Direct being just around the corner, Mario Kart 10 could be a major announcement for this year.
