The beginning of 2025 is already proving to be an exciting time for Nintendo fans. Within the first week of the brand new yr alone, two main — however interconnected — rumors started making waves on the web: that the Nintendo Switch 2 might be launched quickly, and the extremely anticipated Mario Kart 9 will lead the launch lineup for the up to date online game console. Actually, with the veritable trash soup making up headline information lately, sure, please. Deliver on one thing shiny and glossy and enjoyable that we will latch onto (actually and figuratively)!
However are these rumors rooted in actuality or simply hopeful missives? As somebody who has been anxiously awaiting the subsequent chapter of each the classic game and the console I play it on, I made a decision to do some extra digging. Right here’s what you need to know if you happen to’re a gamer father or mother like me and/or have gamer children who you understand need all of the intel.
What’s the phrase on the road in relation to the Swap 2?
Citing unnamed sources, common podcaster and dependable leaker Nate the Hate predicted in a video launched on Jan. 13 that Nintendo would do a Swap 2 reveal on or round Thursday, Jan. 16. “I’ve heard that the reveal itself goes to focus nearly completely on the console itself,” Nate says, with no actual highlight on the video games to launch with the console. Software program information would successfully be the second section of the Swap 2 reveal.
And, nicely, Nate the Hate had it proper. True to the podcaster’s prediction, Nintendo launched a teaser video for the Swap 2 on Jan. 16.
So, how will the Switch 2 be different from the OG? A number of the rumors that circulated forward of the official teaser trailer had been proper: The Swap 2 is a barely bigger and extra highly effective system than its predecessor, and the console might be backward-compatible (which means it might play bodily and digital video games from the unique Swap). As a substitute of the slide-and-groove type of the OG Pleasure-Con controllers, the newer mannequin’s Pleasure-Cons will connect to the dock by way of port and magnet.
Completely new additions? A U-shaped kickstand, a second USB-C port, and a brand new button on the correct Pleasure-Con — though it’s unclear what the button’s objective is at this level. Per Polygon, rumor has it the brand new button opens an in-game textual content or chat system.
How about Mario Kart 9?
There are few video games I really like extra or really feel extra nostalgic about than Mario Kart, a sequence launched manner again in 1992. There are actually 15 video games in whole throughout a number of consoles, with every new sport rolling out recent gameplay components like new circuits and characters. And whereas each incarnation tends to do nicely due to Nintendo’s fan base, the timing feels proper for Mario Kart 9 to be large. In any case, Nintendo revealed final yr that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Switch game up to now, closing in on 75 million gross sales.
Followers (myself included) have virtually been salivating for 9 ever for the reason that ultimate wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Move dropped in 2023.
Is the wait nearly up for a brand new model? In line with Average Lucia Fanatic, who efficiently predicted particulars in regards to the PS5 Professional and Nintendo Alarmo in latest months, the reply is sure. They’ve gone on file to say their sources have revealed each Nintendo Swap 2 and Mario Kart 9 will launch on March 3, 2025, making Mario Kart 9 the crown jewel within the new console’s software program lineup.
No official particulars in regards to the sport have been launched, however Nintendo did appear to substantiate in its Swap 2 first look that Mario Kart 9 is forthcoming.
Within the Swap 2 reveal trailer, footage exhibits a number of the Mario Kart racers we all know and love — Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Bowser, Daisy, and extra — on what appears to be a desert freeway monitor we’ve by no means seen earlier than. Yoshi’s Diner on the facet of the street? And Donkey Kong, is that you just? You look completely different, bro.
So, all indicators level to a brand new model of Mario Kart popping out with the Swap 2.
I’m personally hoping a number of of the predictions being tossed round come true. First up? That Mario Kart 9 will incorporate F-Zero elements — one thing it toyed with slightly within the 8 Booster Course Move DLC with tracks like Huge Blue (such a very good one) and Mute Metropolis. This will likely even imply making a pace past 200cc that feels nearer to the cult favourite racing franchise.
I’d additionally find it irresistible if the leaked accent that transforms your Pleasure-Con right into a steering wheel involves fruition, and I positively wouldn’t be mad in the event that they added much more characters (or skins for characters) and references to different video games within the Mario universe.
When will the Swap 2 and Mario Kart 9 really be accessible?
It goes with out saying that Nintendo sometimes stays fairly tight-lipped about information main as much as launches — in any case, they didn’t price range on revealing any data the previous few months as rumors reached a fever pitch.
Now that the primary official look has been launched, Nintendo says it plans to disclose extra in regards to the Swap 2 in a devoted Nintendo Direct on April 2. The corporate additionally introduced a “sequence of hands-on” Nintendo Swap 2 Expertise occasions around the globe main as much as the console’s launch. These will begin in April, with the final batch of introduced dates rolling out in June (though dates for Hong Kong and Taipei are TBD).
At CES 2025, accent producer Genki revealed what it claims to be Switch 2 accessories in addition to a mock-up of the console itself, hinting the {hardware} will drop in April. The latter isn’t too far off from Nate the Hate’s hypothesis — mirrored by a number of different well-known gaming execs — that the Swap 2 may launch in Could or June of this yr.
That timing additionally appears to align with the tip of the Nintendo Swap 2 Expertise occasions. So, summer season 2025, we’ve acquired our eyes on you, child.
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