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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Yes, a new Mario Kart game launched alongside Nintendo Switch 2—but its official title is Mario Kart World, not Mario Kart 9. Nintendo announced the game and console for June 5, 2025, and confirmed they were available on launch day.
What happened to the Mario Kart 9 launch-title rumor?
The possibility that a new Mario Kart could be a Switch 2 launch game became official news on April 2, 2025, when Nintendo announced Mario Kart World and set its release for the same day as the console. Nintendo described it as “a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game releasing the same day as the system.” Nintendo’s release announcement did not call it Mario Kart 9.
Nintendo had first shown a new Mario Kart game in its January 16, 2025 announcement of Switch 2. The official name came later, in April. The original leak’s source is not established here, so the rumor should be treated as historical speculation—not evidence of an official numbered sequel.
When did Mario Kart World and Switch 2 launch?
Both launched on June 5, 2025. Nintendo’s launch-day announcement confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World were available. Nintendo also offered a Switch 2 bundle that included a digital copy of the game, as described in its April announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
What Nintendo’s sales figure does—and doesn’t—say
Nintendo reported that Switch 2 sold over 3.5 million units worldwide during its first four days after the June 5, 2025 release. That is Nintendo’s launch-period figure, published June 11, 2025; it is not a current lifetime sales total. See Nintendo’s sales announcement.
Where to find the game
The relevant game is Mario Kart World for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo announced it as a Switch 2 exclusive; check local retailers for current stock, format, and pricing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Race through an interconnected world of courses spanning mountains, forests, and cities with dynamic weather patterns and day/night cycles.
- Experience intense 24-driver elimination races in Knockout Tour mode, where racers compete checkpoint by checkpoint until one champion remains.
- Master new racing techniques including rail riding, wall jumping, and water skimming to find the fastest route to victory.
- Explore the vast world at your own pace in Free Roam mode, discovering hidden surprises and alternate paths.
- Enhance your racing experience with magnetic Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessories, providing secure and realistic steering control.
Rank #4
- [SEAMLESS OPEN WORLD] Experience an interconnected racing environment with zero loading screens between courses. Navigate a massive world featuring 24-hour dynamic day/night cycles and shifting weather patterns that directly impact vehicle traction and handling across mountains and cities.
- [ADVANCED RACING MECHANICS] Master all-new maneuvers including high-speed rail riding, wall jumping, and tactical water skimming. These next-gen traversal abilities allow players to discover hidden shortcuts and alternate routes within a 100% seamless world-map architecture.
- [24-PLAYER ELIMINATION MODE] Compete in the high-stakes Knockout Tour, an adrenaline-packed 24-driver elimination mode where racers are removed checkpoint by checkpoint. Supports up to 24-player online multiplayer with integrated GameChat for real-time social coordination.
- [NEXT-GEN TECHNICAL SPECS] Optimized exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 system to deliver stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution in docked mode and a locked 60FPS frame rate. Features enhanced texture mapping and global illumination for the most immersive visual experience in series history.
- [OPEN-WORLD EXPLORATION] Step away from the Grand Prix in the all-new Free Roam mode to wander the world at your own pace. Discover hidden surprises, unlockable vehicle parts, and brand-new drivers across diverse biomes including dense forests and sprawling urban landscapes.
Rank #3
![Mario Kart World Standard - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zaiyfzDeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
Rank #2
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
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