The arrival of Mario Kart 9 has sparked great interest among video game fans, not only because of the popularity of the series, but because its development could show the true potential of the new console. Nintendo Switch 2Although official details about the game are still limited, early looks and insider statements seem to confirm an advanced visual and technical experience that will make a clear difference compared to its predecessors.
Developer Jerrel Dulay, known for his work with consoles like the Wii U and 3DS, has analyzed the few seconds of the Mario Kart 9 trailer showing some key features of the Switch 2 hardware. According to Dulay, the new game includes advanced graphic elements, such as “physically-based shadows” that react to lighting and reflections in the environment, a feature that required significant effort on the first generation of the Switch. This detail highlights the greater power of the Switch 2, which could match the PS4 Pro in terms of graphical performance.
Performance improvements: textures and RAM
Another highlight of the trailer analysis focuses on the use of high resolution texturesDulay points out that these require a considerable amount of RAM, something that would have been unthinkable on the original Switch, limited to 4 GB. Leaks about the Switch 2 motherboard indicate that this new console could incorporate up to 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which would allow for more detailed textures and faster data loading. This also opens the door to much more visually complex games, such as the expected ports of third-party AAA titles.
A revolutionary Mario Kart?
The new installment promises to be more than just an update to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Although definitive details about its gameplay are still unknown, some rumors point to the fact that Races could be expanded to up to 24 players on screen, doubling the number we saw in the previous installment. These changes would not only increase the excitement of the competitions, but would also show how the extra power of the Switch 2 could make these types of multiplayer experiences more dynamic.
As for the technical section, advances such as the volumetric lighting, which adds depth and realism to the scenarios. This graphic technique, which was unattainable on the original Switch due to its limitations, seems to be implemented without compromising a stable rate of 60 frames per second on the Switch 2. In addition, the new physically based shaders could transform the overall look and feel of the game, raising the visual bar to standards never seen before on Nintendo consoles.
Expectations and upcoming announcements
Early rumors also suggest that the next Mario Kart could include new game modes, the ability to carry more than two items simultaneously, and custom settings to improve the experience for both experienced and novice players. While Nintendo has not confirmed these features, the Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, 2025 This will be the perfect opportunity to reveal these and other details about both the game and the console.
As for the launch, Mario Kart 9 is rumored to be one of the games that will accompany the Switch 2 from its initial presentation. With a price that could be around 499 Euros If purchased in a bundle with the new console, this title clearly aims to become one of the main attractions of the initial catalogue, along with a selection of third-party titles and other exclusives that are already being developed for the new generation.
It's clear that the Mario Kart 9 preview and initial reviews have raised expectations for the Nintendo Switch 2. This combination of graphical innovations, technical improvements and new gameplay possibilities could position both the game and the console as benchmarks for the next generation. Now we just have to wait for the Nintendo Direct to find out more surprises and confirm whether it will live up to the high expectations generated.