Following the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 reveal and the first glimpse of Mario Kart 9, fans are buzzing with excitement. The Mario Kart series holds a special place in gaming history, boasting over 170 unique tracks across its numerous iterations. While Mario Kart 9 promises a fresh, original course, many players hope to see the return of beloved classics. With Mario Kart 8 already featuring over half of the series’ historical tracks, the question remains: which iconic courses will make the cut for the next installment? This article explores seven of the best Mario Kart tracks that deserve a spot in Mario Kart 9.
Coconut Mall
Shoppers and racers in Coconut Mall
Appearances: Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart Tour
Start your engines and grab your shopping carts! Coconut Mall, first introduced in Mario Kart Wii‘s Flower Cup, has become a fan-favorite. The thrill of navigating escalators and the infectious background music make this track a joy to race. With Mario Kart 9 potentially supporting up to 24 players, perhaps we’ll see an expansion of this bustling shopping center.
Bowser’s Castle
Bowser's Castle, a classic Mario Kart track.
Appearances: Every Mario Kart game
A Mario Kart staple, Bowser’s Castle has appeared in every entry since the original Super Mario Kart in 1992. Evolving from a simple lava-lined track to a fully realized fortress, Bowser’s Castle has consistently provided a challenging and thematic racing experience. The Mario Kart 8 version, inspired by Super Mario 3D Land, leaves us wondering how Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder might influence its design in Mario Kart 9.
Maka Wuhu
Maka Wuhu, a scenic track from Mario Kart 7.
Appearances: Mario Kart 7
While the future of Wii Sports remains uncertain, Maka Wuhu, based on Wii Sports Resort‘s Wuhu Island, offers a unique racing experience. This Mario Kart 7 track breaks from tradition with its three-section, no-lap design. Reintroducing this non-traditional course, potentially incorporating Mario Kart 8‘s anti-gravity mechanics for scaling Wuhu Mountain, could be a thrilling addition.
Toad’s Factory
Toad's Factory, with its dynamic environment.
Appearances: Mario Kart Wii
Toad’s Factory, the final course of the Mushroom Cup in Mario Kart Wii, introduced a dynamic element with its in-track Item Box creation. This innovative concept hasn’t been revisited since its debut. Mario Kart 9 presents an opportunity to showcase the creation of newer items, or perhaps even delve into the assembly of the karts themselves.
Rainbow Road
Rainbow Road, a classic and challenging track.
Appearances: Every Mario Kart game
Another iconic track, Rainbow Road, has graced every Mario Kart title and even made a cameo in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. This visually stunning course is notorious for its challenging, guardrail-free design. Its inclusion in Mario Kart 9 is almost certain, but its specific iteration remains a mystery, given the track’s many variations throughout the series.
Waluigi Pinball
Waluigi Pinball, a fast-paced and dynamic track.
Appearances: Mario Kart DS, Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart Tour, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A stark contrast to Rainbow Road, Waluigi Pinball offers a fast-paced, pinball-inspired experience. Originating in Mario Kart DS, this track is known for its tight turns and dynamic obstacles. With visual enhancements in Mario Kart Tour and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, we’re excited to see how this track evolves in Mario Kart 9.
Wario’s Gold Mine
Wario's Gold Mine, a fast and chaotic track.
Appearances: Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Wario’s Gold Mine, featured in Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, provides a chaotic, roller-coaster-like racing experience. Its expansive layout is ideal for a larger player count, though perhaps with a bit less room to maneuver inside the mine itself. The return of this frantic track would surely be a welcome addition for fans seeking a more intense gameplay experience.
