If you discount the port to the Switch, it has actually been over six years since we were able to enjoy some new Mario Kart action. Now, there have been some rumors circulating over the year about a potential new installment. However, they are just that, rumors. A new entry has to be coming, though, as Nintendo understands just how much money the franchise brings in every year.

Yet, I am of the belief that Nintendo could be looking to switch it up. If you remember, in Mario Kart 8, there were a lot of additions outside of what you would typically see in the series. Whether you want to talk about outside characters (such as Link) or special guest tracks (such as F-Zero), Nintendo began to expand the lore of the Mario Kart universe.

What if they decided to take the full leap in the next installment? What if the newest title was simply dubbed Nintendo Kart? It’s not too crazy to believe, and here’s how cool the game could end up being.

It Could Include All Major Nintendo Characters

Basically, the roster for this game could resemble what you see in Super Smash Bros. Think about it, a Nintendo racing game with literally all the major stars. From Mario to Link to Samus to Kirby to Fox McCloud to Captain Falcon to King Boo (had to give love to my boy), the list goes on.

While the roster couldn’t be too bloated, Nintendo could easily put 50 to 70 racers in this game. Yeah, that seems like a lot but as long as they don’t unnecessarily repeat characters (they never do that) it shouldn’t be too big of a deal.

Imagine the Track Designs and Vehicles

Not only could this game include all major Nintendo characters, but it could also include unique track designs based on the franchises of said characters. This is what really gets me excited, as the opportunities are endless for mind-blowing and enthralling tracks. There are many that could be held in space, some held in Hyrule Kingdom, and others in the good old Mushroom Kingdom.

Along with that, however, should come unique vehicles a la Diddy Kong Racing. The vehicles could be exclusive to the specific tracks that are being raced. Of course, you would also have a huge variety to choose from as that has become a staple of the franchise.

Even More Weapon Variety

The weapon variety in the franchise has always been really, really good. However, when you start throwing characters like Kirby, Fox McCloud, and Samus into the mix, the variety could be even more impressive. It really would be crazy to see Mario and friends using copy abilities and gun-type weapons, but it also could add a breath of fresh air into the gameplay.

Here really is the million-dollar question, is this something that Nintendo is actually developing? If I had to guess, I would say no, but that’s just because some of it seems too far-fetched. Even if they’re only making a regular sequel, I’ll still be happy. As long as they’re making something new!

Though I loved both and still love both, my heart fell for Mario Kart 64 harder. Then, when I finally received my very first Nintendo home console for Christmas (the GameCube) bundled with it was Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.

I pumped hours and hours into that game. The moral of the story is I have been a Mario Kart fan for nearly my whole life. And, much like everyone else, I was extremely excited when Mario Kart 8 was revealed for the Wii U.

Years later, Nintendo then ported the same game over to the Switch and dubbed it Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Both titles were extremely well-received across the globe and while the port is definitely an improvement over the original game, both entries still leave a sour taste in my mouth to this day.

With the time I have with you today, I would like to go into detail as to why I feel the way that I do. All the issues I have are legitimate and while they can come off as opinionated, I hope that you can at least respect them.

The Character Roster

Over the years, Nintendo has done a superb job of improving the character roster for each Mario Kart game. However, few people will disagree when I say that the original roster for Mario Kart 8 was hot garbage. They brought over some of the greats with the deluxe version (King Boo and Dry Bones were the standouts) but that far from fixed the problem.

For starters, was it really necessary to add all seven Koopalings separately? Sure, they have different characteristics but that used up seven slots for seven characters that are fairly similar in their appearance. Then, you have the redundant additions of Metal Mario, Tanooki Mario, Pink Gold Peach, Cat Peach, and Baby Rosalina.

Nintendo could have simply provided the player with the option of selecting alternate costumes to save character slots. Even in the deluxe version, fan-favorites such as Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Funky Kong, and Petey Piranha could have been included as at least the Kong family is unique.

The Wide Nature of the Tracks

I may be alone here but one of the reasons I never feel fully immersed in Mario Kart 8 is due to how wide the tracks were designed. There are hardly any moments where you need to perform tight drifting and turning to avoid falling off (unless you are playing at 200cc).

With some of the remakes of the Wii version, this becomes more prevalent. For example, play Moo Moo Meadows on both the Wii and Switch (or Wii U) and you will understand what I am talking about. Plus, Lakitu saves you in Mario Kart 8 before the classic black screen can initiate to even further amplify the problem.

Some of the Items Are Butchered

Sure, Mario Kart 8 did add some fantastic items such as the Super Horn and the Crazy Eight. At the same time, it also butchered some of the staples in the series. Instead of tailing behind you like in previous installments, the Triple Bananas rotate around your kart (which means they almost serve as shells).

The Star is completely watered down and no noticeable speed boost is present. Both the Bob-omb and Spiny Shell (Blue Shell) only launch the player slightly into the air and even all the mushroom items feel like they have less impact.

The Item Distribution System

The last issue was somewhat minor but this one is enormous. Some players like the distance-based item distribution system but I will always be a supporter of the old placement-based system.

I can see what Nintendo was aiming to do and I can even respect those of you who prefer the new system. With items being based on distance, theoretically, it would be easier for racers to catch up to other players who are far ahead.

Yet, whenever I play, I find that once you get in first, it is easy to remain there, but getting there can be problematic. For me, receiving items based on placement just amped up the entertainment level as the games that integrated this system seemed more engaging to play.

Look, I still enjoy playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (it is the better of the two) but I will go to my grave claiming that it is overrated by many. That is the beauty of the video game industry, though, as there is a little something for everyone.