A fresh leak has sparked massive buzz in the gaming world. According to reliable insiders and online sleuths, Mario Kart 9 might not just be a sequel—it could be a full-blown Nintendo All-Star Crossover.
Yes, you heard that right. This means you might soon be racing not just with Mario and Luigi, but also with fan favorites like Link, Kirby, Samus, and even characters from Super Smash Bros.
What’s the Leak All About?
The rumor started from a now-deleted post on a private developer forum and quickly made its way to Reddit and Twitter. The leaker, who previously shared accurate details about Nintendo Switch 2 development, shared vague but exciting clues:
- “MK9 is closer to Smash than 8 Deluxe.”
- “Expect karts, bikes, and more…but not just Mario.”
These lines made fans curious. Could this mean Mario Kart 9 is evolving into a Nintendo Universe racing game?
What Clues Are Fans Noticing?
After this leak, fans began reviewing recent Nintendo promotional materials. A few interesting things stood out:
- In the recent Nintendo Direct teaser, a short animation showed Inkling Girl racing beside Kirby, something not previously done outside of Smash Bros.
- Some sharp-eyed fans also noticed that a background track had the theme from Metroid, which isn’t part of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- One dataminer found code lines labeled “Captain_Falcon_Cart” and “Zelda_Circuit” in Nintendo’s test build of a racing game. These tags have never appeared in Mario Kart files before.
It’s not solid proof, but it’s enough to set the internet on fire with speculation.
Why a Crossover Makes Sense Now?
Nintendo has always been known for reinventing its biggest franchises. In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, they already dipped their toes into crossover territory by adding Link from Zelda, Villager from Animal Crossing, and Inkling from Splatoon. Fans loved it.
Going further with a full Nintendo All-Star lineup seems like a natural next step. It also helps Nintendo compete with other crossover-style hits like Fortnite, which constantly introduces characters from multiple franchises.
If done right, this move could make Mario Kart 9 one of the biggest-selling Nintendo titles of all time.
What Else Could Be New in Mario Kart 9?
Besides the crossover idea, fans are expecting a range of fresh features. Here’s what rumors and wishlist predictions are saying:
- Dynamic Tracks: Tracks that change in real-time mid-race, similar to Smash Bros stage hazards.
- Character Powers: Each character may come with a unique special move, like Samus using a boost cannon or Kirby swallowing items.
- Online Tournaments: Bigger, better, and more competitive multiplayer modes with ranking systems.
- Story Mode: Something similar to Subspace Emissary from Smash Bros Brawl—a full adventure mode featuring racing and cutscenes.
None of this is confirmed yet, but the possibility is exciting.
What Are Fans Saying?
Online forums are filled with positive reactions. On Reddit, user “Luigi_Mains_88” said:
“If we get Mario Kart x Smash Bros, this will be Nintendo’s next megahit. I’m ready to race as Ganondorf in Rainbow Road!”
Twitter user @SwitchLeaks2025 tweeted:
“Crossover Kart? I’m in. Just don’t bring in Wii Fit Trainer as a driver.”
The excitement is real. And it’s not just about nostalgia—players are craving something new after years of playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which, despite updates, still dates back to 2014.
When Will Nintendo Confirm It?
So far, Nintendo hasn’t officially said anything about Mario Kart 9. But many insiders believe that we’ll get a first look during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, or possibly even earlier during Gamescom 2025.
It’s also worth noting that Mario Kart is a huge seller for Nintendo. With the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to launch in early 2026, a major new Mario Kart title would be the perfect system-seller.
Summary
While we can’t confirm anything just yet, signs are pointing towards an exciting evolution of the Mario Kart series. Whether it turns into a full Super Smash-style racing game or expands the roster a bit, fans are more than ready.
Stay tuned for more updates, because if this leak turns out to be true, Nintendo fans are in for the ultimate crossover ride.
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