Nintendo Switch 2 reveal includes teaser for first new Mario Kart game in a decade
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FANS were thrilled to grab a first look at the next-generation Nintendo console, but we got to see more than just the hardware’s sleek new look. While showcasing the new look for Nintendo’s upcoming console, the trailer also showed a new Mario Kart game being played on the Switch 2 in handheld, tabletop and TV modes.
![[Nintendo Switch 2 model with detached Joy-Con controllers displayed on a TV playing Mario Kart.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/An-update-from-Nintendo-1-52-screenshot-1.png?strip=all&w=960)
Initially, people thought that the trailer was featuring Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to show the new console’s full backwards compatibility, including compatibility with physical Nintendo Switch game cards. However, a closer look at the game that can be seen in the trailer reveals that it is unlike any Mario Kart game currently on the market.
![[Nintendo Switch 2 playing a kart racing game.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nintendo-Switch-2-_-First-look-trailer-1-42-screenshot.png?strip=all&w=960)
The models for the Mario characters look more squished than in the last entry to the series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This more chibi style indicates that it will be a completely new Mario Kart game rather than a remake or a port. In particular, the model for Donkey Kong looks more similar to how the character appears in the movie than in the game.
![[Nintendo Switch 2 console and controllers displayed with a game playing on a TV screen.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nintendo-Switch-2-_-First-look-trailer-1-58-screenshot.png?strip=all&w=960)
The carts and bikes that appear in the trailer also don’t look similar to vehicles in other Mario Kart games. In fact, one of the carts looks like it has tracks and small skis on the front, suggesting that snowmobiles have been added to the series. Another cart has very thick tires, similar to a vehicle like a quad bike, which would be another new type of vehicle.
