The rumored release of Mario Kart 9 alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 has fans buzzing with anticipation. New tracks, characters, and items are all expected. While classic items like the Banana, Green Shell, Red Shell, and Spiny Shell are practically guaranteed to return, some less-loved items should be left in the dust. These frustrating items add nothing but annoyance and ruined races, and Nintendo should carefully consider what makes it into the next installment. Here are seven items that Mario Kart 9 should leave behind.
The Infamous Blooper
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Blooper
The Blooper is universally disliked. It’s neither fun nor particularly effective. The random ink splatters sometimes fail to obstruct the screen enough to hinder racers, and it primarily affects players, not AI opponents. If Nintendo insists on keeping the Blooper due to its iconic status, its function should be reimagined. Instead of obscuring the screen, perhaps it could throw ink blots on the track. These could slow down drivers, including the player, creating a more interactive and strategic element. The ink could dissipate after a set time, unlike the current frustrating mechanic.
The Useless Coin Item
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Coin
Getting a Coin from an item box is one of the most disappointing experiences in Mario Kart. While coins are useful for boosting speed, they’re readily available throughout the track. Making them an item box pickup was a needless addition in Mario Kart 8. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting a Coin while in first place, especially when a Banana or Green Shell could offer valuable protection against incoming attacks. Coins should be removed from item boxes and remain solely a track pickup.
The Unfun Bullet Bill
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bullet Bill
The Bullet Bill is a powerful catch-up mechanic, but it sacrifices fun for functionality. Unlike a Star or Mushroom, which allow for strategic use and shortcuts, the Bullet Bill offers no player agency. It propels the player forward on a predetermined path, removing any element of skill or decision-making. While beneficial for catching up, it diminishes the interactive experience of Mario Kart.
The Boo-ring Boo
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Boo
The Boo, while offering the potential to steal an opponent’s item, ultimately slows down the gameplay. The time spent acquiring the Boo, activating it, and waiting for the item steal is precious time lost, leaving the player vulnerable to attacks. While invisibility is a nice perk, it doesn’t compensate for the slow speed and lack of active engagement compared to other items. A more dynamic item would be preferable.
The Underwhelming Star
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Star
The Star, an iconic item in the Mario universe, felt underwhelming in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Its short duration and negligible speed boost made it less effective than a Mushroom. While the Star shouldn’t be removed entirely from Mario Kart 9, it desperately needs a buff. Given its significance in other Mario games, it should feel more impactful and rewarding.
The Forgettable Crazy 8
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Crazy 8
The Crazy 8, Mario Kart 8‘s signature item, is unlikely to return in Mario Kart 9. Its impact was minimal, and its absence won’t be mourned. If Mario Kart 9 introduces a unique item, which it undoubtedly should, it needs to be far more impactful than the Crazy 8. Having a collection of single-use items was a neat concept, but ultimately less effective than other options.
The Redundant Boomerang
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Boomerang
The Boomerang, while not inherently bad, feels like a weaker version of three Green Shells. While it can potentially hit two opponents with one throw, its slow speed and aiming difficulty make it less effective. The bouncing Green Shell offers multiple chances to hit a target, even if the initial throw misses, making it a more reliable and strategic choice.
Mario Kart 9 has the opportunity to introduce exciting new items and revitalize old favorites. Hopefully, these seven frustrating items will be left behind or significantly reworked, replaced with more engaging and dynamic options from Mario’s vast arsenal.
