Is Mario Kart 9 REALLY a Launch Title for the Switch 2?

[@Ruleof2Review]

Mario Kart is **probably** a launch title. But…what if it isn’t?

[@Cosmosis-86]

Mario games are fun but I’m not the biggest fan… I’m a big fan of Zelda and I’d love to see Ninja Gaiden 4 as a third party launch title. 🥷

[@Ruleof2Review]

@@Cosmosis-86 it would be pretty amazing if Ninja Gaiden 4 came to Switch 2. Even more so if it were a launch title. But we still have way more to learn about both at this point.

[@VoloTeleVision]

The Nintendo Online’s first true test… no need to rush into it …make it exclusively Switch 2 too. Early 2026 would be ideal (w/ Splatoon4 that next killer online game exclusive to Switch 2)

[@dustybees6308]

@@Ruleof2Review 6:35 okay but what if they add elements to Mario kart like diddy kong racing where you have collectables in races? A story and plot. I’ve heard one person speculate that glowing item under the yoshi sign is a wonder seed as in Mario wonder. Could we finally get a good single player Mario kart instead of just aiming for the 8 cups?

[@Ruleof2Review]

@@dustybees6308 I would truly love that! It wouldn’t be a true replacement for a traditional single player adventure game. I still want a Metroid or Mario type of single player experience. But I think it would make MK9 just THAT much better. I hope they do it. 🤞

[@gligarguy4010]

Mario Kart and Metroid Prime would pair perfectly together - a big multiplayer game and a big single player game to play at launch! I'm interested in seeing if MP4 will be the showcase for that Joycon mouse like Twilight Princess was for Wii motions controls 👀

[@AntolaRes]

your opinion may be invalid, check with me to find out!

[@gligarguy4010]

@@AntolaRes Ok, I'm here to check with you.

[@Smexbi]

Mario Kart would take so much attention away from MEtroid Prime 4. And the series seriously deserves more attention.

[@Cosmosis-86]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Mario Kart and Metroid are release titles… Metroid could possibly help showcase the new mouse functionality of the next gen joy-cons (if that is the case, as assumed?)

[@AntolaRes]

your opinion may be invalid, check with me to find out!

[@FTChomp9980]

MK9 will most def be a launch title since Nintendo showed it off in the trailer.

[@Ruleof2Review]

It definitely MIGHT be, but it’s not a guarantee. This is literally what the topic of the video is about. 😉

[@FTChomp9980]

@@Ruleof2Review Well your right for all we know Nintendo might throw a curve ball at us.

[@Ruleof2Review]

⁠@@FTChomp9980 absolutely. I expect a few curve balls. Mario Kart being one of them! 🤔

[@jayandjlps]

@@Ruleof2Review I can tell you're a fan of single player games lol. Mario Kart in the Summer alongside Switch 2 is definitely gonna be the case, you'll get your Metroid as well. Mario Kart is such a summer feeling title

[@AntolaRes]

your opinion may be invalid, check with me to find out!

[@jarde1989]

MK8 came out a decade ago There is no way MK9 wasn’t started and finished during the Switch era

[@Ruleof2Review]

Agreed.

[@MasterStacona]

No shite sherlock... they have to be making a game and finish it during the Switch era in order to release day 1 for the Switch 2.

[@AntolaRes]

your opinion may be invalid, check with me to find out!

[@smellybondoape]

I don't think Nintendo would release a new 3d mario at the same time. They're both single player experiences and would they would interfere with each other's sales. It would likely also be more on sided because Metroid already needs any boost it can get mario is almost guaranteed to sell like hot cakes. Releasing mario Kart 9 with prime 4 would be perfect. As said in the video, one is single player and the other is multi-player. At the end of the day casuals are a major contributor to success and there's no better game than mario Kart for that audience. While the core gamers will likely prefer to buy a new single player game. I say it's a good opportunity to introduce metroid to people who would actually stick around and buy future installments if they like it. I don't think they would release mario Kart 9 and a new 3d mario at the same time either. As they're both mario games and could cause potential confusion for casuals. There's a reason nintendo spaces out releases despite multiple games being ready. They want to minimize internal compitetion and maintain retention. However, if there's any scenario to release multiple games at once, it's games that target different audiences/interests and serve different purposes and during a console launch. Mario Kart 9 and Metroid Prime 4 on the same day fits that criteria.

[@Neoxon619]

The problem with your MP4 logic is that it’d put off the Japanese player base from jumping on the Switch 2 early since they largely don’t care about Metroid, so a lot of the logic in favor of MP4 being alone on Day 1 is very Western-centric.

[@EarnestGamer]

Nah! it would actually be incredibly risky to show a game on the trailer and then go "sike! Wait 6 more months for it, keep playing delux on retrocompatibility in the mean time". Having it on the trailer is kinda like a promise, and Nintendo has never gone back on their promises. 😂

[@AntolaRes]

your opinion may be invalid, check with me to find out!

[@EarnestGamer]

@AntolaRes opinions are subjective, they're only validated by popular consensus, not evidence. So, feel free to share your own opinion...

[@AntolaRes]

@ Thank you for checking with me, your opinion is still invalid. Reason: because i said so!

[@The100percentRealWaluigi]

I feel like its absolutely going to be Metroid prime 4, And Mario kart 9 at launch. And there will be tons of 3rd party support as well

[@wide-a-wake]

Metriod prime 4 cross gen for switch 2 .

[@wathah323]

You will be sadly disappointed, wait until you see slow down.

[@malikcarson14]

Mario Kart X ( 10, cause I'm counting tour) and metroid prime 4 at launch. New 3D Mario in October to celebrate Super Mario Bros. 40th anniversary.

[@DDKoD]

MY prediction is that we’re being thrown a curverball this time around. What I mean is ever since the Wii there’s always been a secondary launch title that shows off the main gimmick of the console, but those were always multiplayer and now we have MK9 which will seemingly take that place. So what if this time around the experimental New IP we’ve come to expect is actually a Singlplayer game for launch instead of being a multiplayer since MK will also be at launch. That’s another angle to consider when talking about what will releasee with MK

[@Ruleof2Review]

I like that theory. Definitely could make sense and I’d be very happy with that!

[@TrevorFosterTheFosterDojo]

It's guaranteed to launch title are you kidding me

[@polux178]

donkey kong open world🤞 nice video btw👍

[@wootmasterzorsx]

I’m still firmly in the camp that Mario Kart is at least one of the launch titles. Like, yes, the argument can be made they showed only one launch title for Switch 1 with Breath of the Wild alongside the other games. But with Switch 2, we only got one game period. And I cannot see Nintendo finally opening the floodgates for a new console generation, thinking “what game will best sell our new console”, and pick the promise of a future game that’s 2-6 months after they launch the system. You want to lead off with something that people will see, get excited for, and pick up the console day 1 to get that game in addition to the hardware. But you’re right that it’s not guaranteed- there could be another game that they launch the system with. I think that’s a very slim chance, but I can’t deny Nintendo throwing a curve ball. And on the topic of Metroid Prime 4, there’s no easy way to say it- that’s not a killer app game. Like, when the best selling game in a franchise hit 3 million, that’s not driving people to buy a Switch 2. But I also think Metroid Prime 4 would be a great launch title. Between being there on the ground floor very early on plus the Switch 1 sales, it is sure to get Metroid to greater sales success than it ever has before. And given Nintendo benefited from having a single player game and a casual, multiplayer focused game on Switch with 1-2 Switch and Breath of the Wild among other things, I could genuinely see that happening again with Mario Kart and Metroid. Do I think that’s the best possible move? I dunno, just saying I could see them doing that.

[@rareosts5752]

MK9 with diddy kong racing influence!!!

[@Ruleof2Review]

That would be amazing!

[@Telmarine55]

@@Ruleof2ReviewI’ve always wondered if they would ever retcon Diddy Kong Racing into the Mario Kart mainline series. But I guess if they had an intention of doing it, they would’ve done so already.

[@warpio]

It's probably not a very accurate predictor to compare this to the Switch 1 reveal trailer, because Nintendo was in a very different place when the Switch 1 launched. They had to rush that system out because the Wii U was way on the decline by 2017. The scenario here is very different. Nintendo can comfortably coast off of the Switch 1 until they have a killer lineup ready for the Switch 2, and come out the gate with a bunch of killer launch titles.

[@CBreezie]

They'd be fiscal and economic fools NOT to make it a launch title. 1. Mk8 deluxe is pretty much owned by at least a third of the install base of switch1. All those players are waiting for a new game. 2. We're WAY past due for a new mario kart. Not a mobile game. Not a deluxe port. Not dlc. A NEW mario kart game. It's been almost 11 years. It's gonna sell. 3. They had all the time to develop a new one and refine it and make sure it's natively consistent with switch2 hardware. Launching switch2 with a stable online multiplayer game is genius and a great way to get people to buy the system and engage with each other. Especially if switch 2 is rumored to have a better online communication system. 4. It was probably cheap to develop. It'll sell at a full $60 price. People will buy that. The console. The bundle if there is one. Switch online so they can play online. Extra controller for couch multiplayer. It's all money for Nintendo.

[@s1ko52]

I think we might get Mario Kart 9 at launch and the next mainline 3d Mario will release mid to late fall since that's when the mainline games usually release.

[@vianabdullah2837]

I do wish that the launch title will be a 3D Mario. Since I do think that a big single-player showcase would stir up more hype among "hardcore" gamers. Especially since EPD 8 is easily Nintendo's best studio.

[@upsidedownjim]

People need to remember the first look trailer was just that for MOST people. (Random thought)

[@deku812]

I think Zelda will be in the 1st year launch window. Even if they give Zelda break after Echoes, a Zelda title could pop up at anytime.

[@falconblack]

Launch needs a big juicy solo adventure that shows the consoles full capabilities... We know exactly what a Mario kart is. Id prefer mario kart as "launch window" around sept

[@Ruleof2Review]

I tend to agree with you here!

[@Telmarine55]

@@Ruleof2ReviewI think I agree with you Falcon. I’d rather Mario Kart not be a launch title so that I don’t feel forced to get a Switch 2 at launch. That and a 2D Mario would be the only games where I would try to get a Switch 2 at launch. But I’d rather not be bothered with it and just wait.

[@WestonMeyer-n6x]

They wouldn’t show it as the only Switch 2 game for months if it wasn’t a launch title.

[@painuchiha2694]

Either way switch 2 launch will be incredible! Mario kart or Metroid prime 4? Gimme both

[@elapindral8191]

If we don’t see Prime 4 in the February direct it’s a gonna be a launch title.

[@friendlyotaku9525]

Most definitely! I mean what other big game could Nintendo even have at launch? This makes the most sense especially since it is the FIRST game they have shown off and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold like over 60 million copies so it makes a lot of sense for this to be Nintendo's BIG launch title and that's a very smart decision! This is a game that will move consoles from Day ONE!

[@arystorey5063]

Metroid Prime 4 DKCR HD Mario Kart "9" or whatever it's called Alleged Oblivion remake My most anticipated 🔥

[@Telmarine55]

Ignoring the fact that Mario Kart Tour is the 9th mainline entry, I do think that Mario Kart will probably be a launch title. A 3D Mario game looked to be the biggest game of the Wii U generation, it makes sense why Mario Odyssey would’ve been a launch title for the Switch. And it’s become very obvious that Mario Kart 8 is the biggest Nintendo franchise, so a launch Mario Kart game looks likely. Unfortunately, I don’t think Metroid Prime 4 will be a Switch 2 launch title. Nintendo is intent on following through on its promise to release it on the Switch, and I believe it will be a Switch exclusive in the Spring 2025. If you make it a Switch 2 game, then you are limiting its sales potential due to all the people that won’t have a Switch 2. But I could be wrong, of course. But so far I’ve had a good feel for the Switch 2 reveal time frame. Let’s see how I fare on the game release schedule.

[@twilight2010ful]

But breath of the wild was in the trailer that you were speaking of. And since Mario kart was the only game shown….it makes sense. But there will be other games :)

[@MasterStacona]

You don't want 2 Mario games sold at the same time. Yes, Mario Kart is basically its own ip at this point, but it still has Mario in the title and on the cover so you want to separate a 3D mario and Mario Kart several months from each other.

[@logicalfundy]

I'd say 90% chance of it being a launch title. It's not as if they showed any other game, and it would be a great launch title. Multiplayer focused is not so much a concern for me, for a couple of reasons: First, it probably isn't the only launch title, there will probably be another and perhaps some third party games as well. Second, we're getting backwards compatibility, so even if they don't have anything else at launch, there are still plenty of games available to play. It's not like the transition to the Switch 1 where you were starting your game library from scratch.

[@HylianBull]

MK9 Switch 2 pack in feels safe to say. If it wasn't, Then either a Mario or MP4. Bet they will release MP2 & 3 this Feb direct and make MP4 switch 2 exclusive? I know they showed it off during a direct but that doesnt garantee it will be for both consoles.

[@groudonor12]

There's also a possibility that they mix the Metroid Remasters and Zelda Remasters together, they have done it before with WW and MP2E..

[@twilight2010ful]

I think it is but there will be other games as well. Maybe like a 1 2 switch situation? Something in that caliber

[@Exactly17777]

Apparently there will be a " Nintendo switch 1 only " Nintendo direct in February. Will they shadow drop Metroid Prime 2 and 3 in February ?

[@DDKoD]

And give us the release date for Prime 4

[@stevieb274]

This is the 10th Mario kart. So definitely won’t be Mario kart 9

[@Telmarine55]

I’m not sure why so many KZbin content creators are missing this. It’s really odd. GamesCage isn’t though. Gotta give him credit for calling it like it is - MK10.

[@stevieb274]

@ I get it. It’s because ppl aren’t realizing Mario kart tour was counted as Mario kart 9. Guess if they call it 10 ppl gonna be like when did we get 9

[@lethallohn]

Typically. If they show the game, it's coming out soon. A new Mario Kart has been due for years. This is one game they better have for launch because of the sale potential and console seller potential.

[@solonepeon5805]

Maybe it will & others will be available at release to make 20 million Sw2 sell much faster.

[@chrisperry1985]

I hope Mario Kart is a day one game because I like Mario stuff and racing and playing games online with other people and there's people who's past ready for a different Mario Kart 'I want a new Mario Kart but I want stuff from past mario kart games too not just everything new' so if its day one I'll have a new game to play but if it ain't I might not have any new games to play for who knows how long but I'll have classic games on NSO.

[@saidul02]

think about a title that will help sell the new console, an exclusive game. So it is unlikely Metroid. Has to be something related to Mario. Because unlikely another mainline Zelda game is ready.

[@_sparrowhawk]

Metroid will obviously be cross gen with the launch. MK9 is the thing that will sell the Switch2 along with 3rd party hits.

[@DJJuan2memphis]

Mario kart because they want to show off their new internet capability.

[@IvoMaropo]

No, Mario Kart 9 is NOT an "unfinished product" due to its graphics. Never underestimate Nintendo's ability to laugh at its fan base. Those are INDEED the graphics to be expected.

[@Ruleof2Review]

Who said that Mario Kart is an “unfinished product”?

[@remykamermans5544]

Will be called Mario kart X

[@sidewinder2057]

What if they release Prime 4 on Switch 1 in may before console release? Would you buy and play it or wait? It is a possibility, but that'd kinda suck

[@Ruleof2Review]

That is a great question and definitely a possibility. Personally I couldn’t wait. I’m there day 1 for MP4 no matter what.

[@groudonor12]

Probably not, leaker have suggested otherwise and Nintendo has made plans to focus the first half of the year on The Prime Trilogy since they've heavily promoted the book coming out in Summer 2025..

[@groudonor12]

​@@Ruleof2Reviewsorry Rule but I'll be skipping the Switch Version like the plague it is, we all know what happened to Samus Returns and the hilarious flop it was, not only was it a terrible remake it also released months after the 3DS Life Cycle was over practically making the game nonexistent..

[@MasterStacona]

Mario Kart is a day 1 release so that EVERY Switch 2 buyer has the opportunity to buy Mario Kart to maximize sales. Mario Kart 8 collectively with both Wii U and Switch DLC is well over 5 billion dollars IN PROFIT for Nintendo. This is a money printing franchise and you want to maximize the profits as much as possible!

[@klaushammer8687]

Well, it's not going to be mario galaxy 2 Or mario 64 2 We know that

[@fashopimpin]

Didn’t Nintendo launch with 3 last time? Mario Odessy, Zelda BOTW, and Mario Kart? I can’t remember

[@Ruleof2Review]

Nope. Zelda at launch, MK8 Deluxe was a month or two later, and Mario Odyssey was many months later in October. So a pretty healthy spread of dates in year 1.

[@fashopimpin]

@ yeah that’s gonna be hard to top 😂. They came out blazing

[@SALARIER]

Personally... i like sbb more...not saying i dont like mario kart....

[@MasterStacona]

They need to call it Mario Kart Infinite then they can use the infinity sign since it looks like a race track. Mario Kart with a second Nintendo game day 1 (not 3D mario, that will be saved for the holiday) and the classic new features concept game. Mario Kart is a game that DOES NOT sell consoles, it is a game you get with your console when there is a game you really want to play on that game. Metroid technically is a console seller, but only to the Metroid fans which are small to begin with, also Metroid will get lost in the sauce when stacked up next to Mario Kart and only hurt the game. I can see them doing Pokemon Legends Z-A same day as the Switch 2 launch, but it is only a Switch 1 game. This would sell the Switch 2 and Mario Kart, and people would want to play Pokemon on the new console for the capped resolution, capped framerate, and faster loading.

[@Telmarine55]

Well I can only speak for me, but Mario Kart is the reason I always get the new Nintendo console. I’ll always skip a generational Nintendo console launch and wait until Mario Kart for that system comes out. I’ll eventually end up with a few other games, but Im perfectly happy buying a new consoles strictly for Mario Kart only.

[@groudonor12]

You do realise Wii succeeded BECAUSE of games like MARIO KART WII...

[@groudonor12]

And somehow the Switch Version of MP4 will somehow miraculously do well..

[@chrisperry1985]

If Mario Kart has a 1-player mode I won't ever play it. As for Metroid I don't like those games. Alo waiting is always a bad idea none of us is promised how long to live on Earth. Also I don't want to get games during Holidays/days with lots of people in the stores. As for 1-player games I for the mos part stopped playing them long ago.

[@Smexbi]

My problem with MK9 being a launch title is that... the Switch 2 doesen't need it. The system will sell out, even without first party games. Any new console, even WiiU or XboxOnem did so. It's more about keeping up the demand. Switch 2 at release only needs third party support, backwards compatibility, and a Switch 2 version of Metroid Prime 4. That way, a lot of focus can be on Metroid, even for those who never played a game in the series. And like I said, the console will sell out, no matter what. MK9 then can release 1 or 2 months after the consoles release.

[@Neoxon619]

The last time Nintendo felt they didn’t need to go big at launch, it didn’t end well. You need to build momentum from the first day, then carry that momentum through the rest of the first year. You can’t really do that with a franchise as niche as Metroid, especially one that Japan doesn’t really care about.

[@MasterStacona]

Ridley might have ate Samus' parents, but even he is not that cruel to stack metroid next to mario kart. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is too stylized for a graphics upgrade and with the metroid doors you will never feel faster loading, it is actually the number 1 worst game to showcase the power increase of the Switch 2. It is a Switch 1 game no matter what because that is what they built it for. Where as the new Mario Kart we can already tell this thing was built with the Switch 2 in mind. Pokemon Legends Arceus is a very ambitious game for the Switch, so Pokemon Legends Z-A would better showcase a power increase for the Switch 2 plus the duh moment of Pokemon is massively bigger of an IP compared to Metroid and not even in the same league... Pokemon Legends Z-A would actually be the Breath of the Wild moment for the Switch 2. Even with only a Switch 1 version, you would still get improvements playing it on the Switch 2, plus less pop in and a further rendering distance.

[@groudonor12]

Oh stfu, "too stylised" are you CRAZY, the Switch 2 games are supposedly equivalent to games from the PS4 and PS5 era, if you use your brain, you'd realise the Switch Version is nowhere near as good as the graphics from that era. I hope you're not implying that Prime 4 is TOO GOOD for the Switch 2. Also, Nintendo has a tendency to move games from one console to the next, it's also why TP didn't end up on the GameCube but instead on the Wii, also the MPT book isn't releasing till Summer that already confirms we won't see the game till later this year. Do you really think Nintendo would be that dumb to give a game like Prime 4 a lifespan of ONE MONTH because after that ONE MONTH the Switch 2 will arrive and the Switch Version will be as dead as a water. Seriously have you learned NOTHING from Other M and Samus Returns, those games hilariously flopped because the next gen console was on their FACES (not to mention they're generally HOT GARBAGE). "Pokémon's a much bigger ip than Metroid" because sure Pokémon somehow has a genre named after itself, surely it didn't steal facets from Digimon, surely most game Devs are willing to work on the game and are heavily influenced from the franchise. Go wash your mouth out and get a FUCKING REALITY CHECK. CLEAN YOUR IDEAS, TURN THAT BITCH SIDEWAYS AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR CANDY ASSES..

[@MasterStacona]

mario kart, zelda, and mario odyssey was in the reveal trailer for the Switch 1 pretty sure mario kart launched with switch 1

[@Ruleof2Review]

I talk about this exact point in the video.