Mario Kart is one of the most popular video game series of all time, and one of the best racing games out there. While games like Gran Turismo and Forza offer realistic, immersive experiences, Mario Kart is charming, whimsical, and perfect for the whole family. A wide variety of inventive tracks, multiplayer, and beloved Mario characters make it hard to pass up. However, despite its popularity, Mario Kart hasn't had a completely new main installment since Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U in 2014. Chocobo GP could be a good replacement.
There have been rumors about a new Mario Kart game coming soon, but there's no telling when that will actually happen. Some thought Mario Kart 9 would be revealed at the last Nintendo Direct, but the only Mario news was in regards to the Mario movie cast. That said, the Nintendo Direct did showcase Chocobo GP, a Final Fantasy racing game that might be able to hold fans over before Mario Kart 9.
A New Mario Kart Might Not Be Coming Soon
It would be hard to believe that Mario Kart 9 is never coming. However, there is no telling when the next Mario Kart game will release, and Nintendo is apparently in no rush. Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart 7, and Mario Kart 8 each released three years apart from one another, so more than six years is an awfully long gap. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe did release in 2017, but it doesn't count as a true new installment, and even that was over three years ago.
With rumors of Mario Kart 9 appearing at a Nintendo Direct to reveal a 2021 release dispelled (unless Nintendo has a major surprise coming shortly), players might be waiting a long time for a new game. Mario Kart 8 is still a great game on the Switch, and the hardware hasn't been significantly updated so there's no need for a next-gen Mario Kart, but players are eager for new tracks and mechanics. At this rate, it might not be coming until the Nintendo Switch gets its first major hardware upgrade, or until Nintendo's next console comes around.
Chocobo GP Looks A Lot Like Mario Kart
While the Nintendo Direct didn't have news for Mario Kart fans, fans of the Final Fantasy franchise did get a fun surprise. Chocobo GP, a Final Fantasy-themed racing game, is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2022. It's hard not to notice the similarities to Mario Kart when watching reveal footage.
Chocobo GP features iconic Final Fantasy characters, customizable cars (and roller skates), and items that can be used to attack other players and gain an advantage. The tracks are also inspired by some iconic Final Fantasy locations, like the Gold Saucer from Final Fantasy 7 and Alexandria from Final Fantasy 9. There will be tons of references and Easter eggs to uncover, but in spite of the Final Fantasy inspiration, the game looks more similar to Mario Kart than it does any Final Fantasy title. The tracks have similarly colorful and whimsical designs, and the effects of the many items that can be used to attack opponents are just as colorful.
It may not be Mario Kart 9, but Chocobo GP looks like it'll be a worthy stand-in for the popular racing game. Hopefully Mario Kart 9 is on its way, but in the meantime it will probably be hard to find someone who doesn't want to race Chocobos.
Chocobo GP launches for Nintendo Switch in 2022.