It’s been over a decade. Let that sink in for a second. Mario Kart 8 originally launched on the Wii U in 2014, and while the Deluxe version on Switch has been a juggernaut, fans are getting restless. We’re all looking for those mario kart 9 leaks like they’re the last mushroom in a 150cc race. Honestly, the wait has been ridiculous. Nintendo has basically been printing money with the Booster Course Pass, but "new" tracks that are mostly ports from a mobile game only satisfy the itch for so long. People want a ground-up, next-generation experience.
The rumor mill is a chaotic place. You’ve probably seen the "leaks" on X or Reddit claiming the game is called Mario Kart Crossroads or Mario Kart X. Some of it sounds plausible; most of it is total fan-fiction. But if we look at the patterns of Nintendo's hardware cycles and the credible reporting from industry insiders, a clearer picture starts to emerge about what the next entry actually looks like.
The Mario Kart 9 leaks that actually carry weight
Most of what we "know" comes from a handful of analysts and leakers with decent track records. Dr. Serkan Toto, a consultant at Kantar IP Strategy, has been vocal about the game being in active development for years. This isn't a surprise. Nintendo doesn't just sit on its biggest franchise. But the real meat of the mario kart 9 leaks suggests a "new twist" is coming.
What’s the twist? Historically, every Mario Kart has one. Double Dash had two drivers. 7 had gliding. 8 had anti-gravity. The word on the street—and take this with a grain of salt—is that the next game might lean harder into the "Nintendo Kart" territory. We saw a glimpse of this with Link, Isabelle, and the Inklings joining the roster in MK8 Deluxe. Credible rumors suggest the next game could go full Super Smash Bros. with its character lineup. Imagine racing as Samus in a gunship-themed kart or Captain Falcon finally returning to a race track, even if it isn't a new F-Zero.
Then there’s the "Mario Kart 10" vs "Mario Kart 9" debate. Since Mario Kart Tour exists and Nintendo officially counts it in their internal numbering (check the Booster Course Pass trailers if you don't believe me), some insiders believe the next console game will be branded as the tenth installment. It’s a marketing headache, but Nintendo loves those.
Why the Switch 2 changes everything
You can't talk about these leaks without talking about the hardware. The "Switch 2"—or whatever the successor is called—is the real bottleneck here. Nintendo isn't going to drop a massive system-seller like Mario Kart 9 on an aging console that already has the best-selling game in the series.
- Visual Fidelity: We are looking at a jump to 4K (docked) with DLSS support. This means the tracks can finally move away from the "plastic" look of the Wii U era and into something more dense and reactive.
- The Development Timeline: Rumors from sources like Zippo and Pyoro (who have since gone quiet or been nuked by Nintendo's legal team) suggested a 2024 or 2025 release. Since 2024 is behind us, the 2026 window for a "Year 1" Switch 2 title looks increasingly likely.
It’s frustrating. Truly. But launching a new Mario Kart is a once-in-a-generation event. Nintendo needs this game to be perfect because it will likely have to last another ten years. They aren't just making a game; they're building a platform.
Breaking down the "Nintendo Kart" theory
Is it still Mario Kart if half the cast is from Zelda and Star Fox? This is the big point of contention in recent mario kart 9 leaks. Some fans think it dilutes the brand. Others are bored of having five different versions of Peach and Mario taking up roster slots.
The rumor suggests a "Crossroads" theme. This would involve tracks based on various Nintendo IPs, similar to the Hyrule Circuit or the Animal Crossing track. Imagine a Metroid track where the gravity shifts are even more extreme than MK8, or a Pikmin track where you're racing through a giant garden. This adds a level of variety that the Mario universe, as vast as it is, sometimes lacks.
The technical hurdles are real, though. If they go this route, the physics engine needs a massive overhaul to accommodate different "types" of vehicles that fit these worlds. We’ve heard rumblings about a "drifting overhaul" that makes the game feel more technical, perhaps appealing to the competitive crowd that still plays Mario Kart Wii because they find MK8 too "floaty."
The reality check: What to ignore
Don't believe every blurry photo you see on 4chan. Most "leaked" rosters that show 100 characters are fake. Nintendo is notoriously conservative with their UI design. If you see a leak with a cluttered, "gamer-aesthetic" menu, it's almost certainly a fan project.
Also, watch out for the "Mario Kart 9 is coming to PC" rumors. Just stop. Nintendo’s hardware-software integration is their entire business model. Unless the world flips upside down, you’re playing this on a Nintendo handheld/console hybrid and nowhere else.
What we can actually expect
- A 2026 Release Window: With the Switch successor rumored for a late 2025 or early 2026 launch, Mario Kart is the perfect "window" title to keep momentum going after the initial launch hype.
- Backwards Compatibility: There is a high chance your MK8 Deluxe library might carry over in some way, or at least offer a "legacy" mode, but mario kart 9 leaks suggest a clean break in terms of the engine.
- Better Online: Let's be real—Nintendo’s netcode is stuck in 2005. The next game has to feature a more robust ranking system and better stability if it wants to survive in the modern era of live-service gaming.
The wait is painful. I know. I’ve spent more hours in Time Trials on Mount Wario than I care to admit. But the silence from Nintendo is actually a good sign. It means they aren't just rushing out a 8.5 version. They are building something that aims to redefine the kart racer again.
Actionable steps for the Mario Kart fan
While waiting for the official reveal, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the current situation:
- Follow Credible Sources: Stop checking random "Leaker" accounts on X. Stick to reporters like Christopher Dring (GamesIndustry.biz) or reliable analysts like Dr. Serkan Toto who have actual industry connections.
- Complete the Booster Course Pass: If you haven't, 3-star every cup in the MK8 Deluxe DLC. Nintendo often tracks player data to see which track styles (linear vs. lap-based) are most popular, which directly influences the design of the next game.
- Manage Your Expectations: Don't expect 100 characters and a track creator. Expect a polished, beautiful racer that iterates on the drift mechanics we love.
- Watch Nintendo Directs: It sounds obvious, but Nintendo rarely "drops" news for their Tier 1 franchises on social media first. It will be the "one more thing" at the end of a major Direct.
The next year will be full of "leaks" that turn out to be nothing. Keep your head down, keep your drift tight, and wait for that red Nintendo logo to flash on the screen with the number 9 (or 10) behind it.