7 Old Mario Kart Race Courses That Need a Comeback in Mario Kart 9

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Summary

  • Cheep Cheep Island from Mario Kart: Super Ciruit should be remade in 3D for Mario Kart 9 on the Switch 2.
  • Delfino Square from Mario Kart DS should return to Mario Kart 9 with a more open-world format to encompass more Sunshine environments.
  • Sherbet Land from Mario Kart 64 would be a perfect fit for Mario Kart 9 and would shine like never before on Switch 2 hardware.

Since its release on the SNES back in 1992, “Mario Kart” has consistently been a top-notch franchise by Nintendo, gathering their popular characters to compete against each other on courses laden with weapons, hazards, and rival racers, all vying for first place. Thirty years later, the series remains vibrant, and “Mario Kart 9” is expected to be one of the most anticipated launch titles for the anticipated “Switch 2,” due out in 2025.

Looking ahead to the future and Mario Kart’s ninth installment, it’s natural to ponder which tracks might feature. Given the series’ penchant for blending old favorites with new ones, it’s intriguing to speculate about how classic courses could be revitalized with the potential enhancements of the Switch 2. These vintage Mario Kart tracks have a rich history and it’s thrilling to imagine their updated versions on the improved hardware. Many of these iconic circuits haven’t been seen since their original games, making them prime candidates for inclusion in Mario Kart 9.

7. Cheep Cheep Island

This Charming Track From A GBA Game Needs An Upgrade

For the first time, Cheep Cheep Island was introduced in “Mario Kart: Super Circuit” for the Game Boy Advance. This enchanting course is spread across a collection of islands bathed in the soft glow of a breathtaking sunset, showcasing sandy dunes and lighthouses. It stands among the finest handheld Mario Kart tracks ever created, as Nintendo skillfully utilized the power of the Game Boy Advance to deliver an experience reminiscent of the original Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) game, but with significantly improved graphics and captivating music.

For Mario Kart 9, its verdant terrains, comfy island atmosphere, and towering, water-bound Cheep Cheeps would undoubtedly thrive with the enhanced capabilities of Switch 2’s hardware. Since Mario Kart: Super Circuit was a 2D game, it would be a delight to witness its tracks reimagined in 3D – something Nintendo has already mastered by transforming numerous tracks from their earlier games into 3D landscapes.

6. Delfino Square

The Home Of The Piantas Should Return In Mario Kart 9

It’s apparent that Nintendo continues to recognize the worth of Super Mario Sunshine. They included it among their Switch collection, released to honor Mario’s 35th anniversary in 2020. With Mario Kart 9 coming up, it seems ideal to carry on this tradition by featuring an updated rendition of the Delfino Square, capturing the enchantment and allure of Sunshine within a single track.

Making its first appearance in Mario Kart DS, the racers find themselves whizzing through the charming Delfino Square, a seaside village bustling with stores, perils, and an endearing group of Piantas – the native island residents. With its tranquil ambiance and speculation swirling around Mario Kart 9’s potential large player count and open-world design reminiscent of Forza Horizon, it seems fitting to expand Delfino Square in future installments, allowing players to explore more of the Sunshine environments.

5. Sherbet Land

This Legendary N64 Course Would Shine On Switch 2

In every iteration of Mario Kart, you’ll find a course bathed in snow, capturing the cool winter spirit and providing an inviting ambiance. Among the best winter-themed tracks is Sherbet Land, created for Mario Kart 64 by Nintendo, which remains one of the most beloved due to its slick terrain and challenges that involve dodging numerous penguins of varying sizes as racers aim to knock them off course and into the frigid waters.

In previous versions of the Mario Kart series, including the one for Wii in 2008, Sherbet Land made an appearance. Some fans thought it was a given that it would return for the Booster Pass in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but to our disappointment, it didn’t. Since then, we haven’t seen this charming track in the series. However, with the upcoming Switch 2 version of Mario Kart, it’s about time Sherbet Land returned and showed off its beauty on enhanced hardware. With the anticipated internal improvements in the new version, this winter wonderland could look more stunning than ever before.

4. Luigi Circuit

One Of Double Dash’s Best Tracks

In the 2003 version of Mario Kart, titled Double Dash on the GameCube, Nintendo introduced an innovative feature: two drivers per vehicle and the capability to carry two weapons simultaneously. However, it wasn’t just about these new mechanics; Double Dash boasted one of the finest track selections in the series, and among them is a standout favorite, the Luigi Circuit. This traditional course embodies the chaotic Mario Kart action that the franchise is renowned for.

Should the rumors about 24 players in each race be accurate, the Luigi Circuit would undoubtedly make a fantastic return in Mario Kart 9. Its expansive layout caters exceptionally well to larger player counts. The Luigi Circuit is one of Mario Kart’s most iconic tracks, and given the superior capabilities of the Switch 2, reintroducing it is nothing short of common sense.

3. Koopa Troopa Beach

This N64 Course Would Benefit Greatly From An Update On Switch 2

The Nintendo 64 version of “Mario Kart” remains one of Nintendo’s most enduring masterpieces, and it’s tracks like “Koopa Troopa Beach” that keep it so timeless even after nearly three decades. This vibrant, sun-soaked beach is teeming with hazards galore, from risky jumps over treacherous rocks to hostile creatures popping up from the sand, and just like any top-notch “Mario Kart” course, it leverages them all flawlessly.

Refreshing Koopa Troopa Beach, a fan-favorite track from the franchise, could be a smart decision for Mario Kart 9. Not only does it boast an impressive layout, but it’s also renowned for one of the series’ best shortcuts. By using a mushroom, players can jump off a ramp and plunge into a cave that passes through a waterfall, significantly reducing time. To truly capture the essence of this legendary track in Mario Kart 9, the shortcut must be included as well. This iconic course deserves a place among the highly anticipated games for Nintendo Switch 2.

2. Waluigi Stadium

This Iconic Double Dash Track Deserves A Comeback

The Waluigi Stadium has been a recurring feature in the Mario Kart series since Double Dash, and it has also appeared in the Wii version, Tour, and the MK8 Deluxe booster pass. In terms of potential tracks for Mario Kart 9, it seems sensible to include this famous track again, as it would seamlessly complement the game’s suggested expansion of the driver roster.

In Waluigi Stadium, you’ll find an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of a sprawling motocross track. This dirt-filled course includes thrilling jumps, fiery obstacles, and towering piranha plants. It bears some resemblance to Wario Stadium from Mario Kart 64, but it’s significantly bigger and boasts more traps. Plus, its fantastic tunes add an extra layer of excitement. Waluigi Stadium is a must-include in Mario Kart 9, as its iconic reputation within the series deserves recognition on the upcoming Switch 2 console.

1. Moo Moo Farm

A Nostalgic Return To Moo Moo Farm Would Be Excellent On Switch 2

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my longing for the return of Moo Moo Farm. This iconic track has graced only two installments of the legendary Mario Kart series – making its debut in the N64 release and receiving an upgrade in the DS iteration. A track reminiscent of Moo Moo Farm, Moo Moo Meadows, appeared in Mario Kart Wii and was revamped for the MK8 Deluxe booster pass. However, it’s high time that the original version receives a much-needed update. And where better to make this dream come true than on the upcoming Switch 2!

In a beautiful setting on a vast, open-aired farm, reminiscent of Mario Kart’s history, lies one of the series’ best musical tracks, accompanied by sneaky pitfalls disguised as Monty Moles popping up from the ground. Among all the iconic courses, the Moo Moo Farm stands out as the one longing for a comeback in Mario Kart 9, and its inclusion would be an ideal demonstration of how far this franchise has progressed over nearly three decades.

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2025-01-20 08:04