2025 is most certainly going to be an exciting year for Nintendo fans with the release of the Switch 2, and the only officially confirmed Nintendo game so far is the first new mainlineMario Kartin over a decade. Since the first-look trailer, fans have been discussing the way that this newMario Kartseems to be aiming for a more cute and simplistic style. Only two brief clips of gameplay were shared, but it’s true that the models of theSuper Mariocast seem a bit more condensed to fit into smaller, less-detailed karts, which certainly gives the vibe that the series is aiming to go back to its roots, at least artistically.
It makes sense as to whyMario Kartmight be aiming for a fresh start with the newest title, especially sinceMario Kart 8andMK8 Deluxehave been the one and only offerings it had since 2014.Mario Kart 8in particularwas famous for it’s zero-gravity wheels, which led a bit of a futuristic and science-fiction look and feel to the game, seen in impressive detail on tracks like Electrodome and special sections of others such as DK Jungle. After what it brought toMario Kart 8when it was introduced, there’s a strong argument for zero-gravity to return in the nextMario Kartgame.
The Next Mario Kart Still Has Room for Zero-Gravity
The New Look For Mario Kart Shouldn’t Limit It
Just because the Switch 2’sMario Kartis aiming for a simpler vibe doesn’t necessarily mean that courses and mechanics will be the same way.If the newMario Kartwishesto pull from other courses from other titles, then it may have to leave space for it by default by just how frequent the zero-gravity wheels were used. Leaving room forMario Kart 8’s unique gimmick also leaves room for the newer title to lean into it in a way thatMK8never got to. Now that the science fiction element has been played with enough, there’s plenty of room for zero-gravity to be a bit more relaxed or even pushed forward if this new game has a gimmick of its own.
In terms of gameplay, the zero-gravity aspects ofMario Kart 8served as a great way to keep players on their toes with obstacles being made into speed boosts while driving along walls and ceilings. It was a great way to change what fans had come to expect withMario Kartwithout taking away from what’s made it into one of the best kart racers out there. While it may have overstayed its welcome with how longMario Kart 8has had the spotlight, there’s a strong chance thatMario Kartraces won’t be the same without walls to race on. Zero-gravity could easily be made a mainstay of the series, but it needs to prove that it’smore than a one-time kart racergimmick.
The opposite approach may be the answer, as having zero-gravity sections without sacrificing the simpler theme may very well do the trick. Beginning courses could feature one or two zero-gravity sections in the first Cups, while later courses could take advantage by hiding secret walls to ride onto for a few careful shortcuts. Zero-gravity still holds potential inother modes such as Battle Modewhich could use another game and a fresh outlook on the series to really bring something new to the table.
Mario Kartis known for being a fun, easy-going, yet still chaotic time, and allowing players to run along walls and ceilings for an extra boost when they know where it is ties into that association well. For now, time will have to tell ifMario Kart 8will leave its mark on the series going forward. At the very least, knowing the firstMario Kartin 11 years is likely to come within a year is enough to excite long-time fans until more news arrives.
