What makes Mario Kart 9 different? (YouTube)The first game to be unveiled for the Nintendo Switch 2 is what appears to be Mario Kart 9 but what secrets is the reveal trailer hiding?Although the Nintendo Switch 2 has now been officially announced there was no voiceover or description for anything in the reveal trailer, so we dont even know if the new game it showed is called Mario Kart 9.It is very clearly a new game though, with very different and more detailed character models and background graphics. Nintendo no doubt chose the clip to give away as little as possible, but theres still quite a bit you can infer from the brief few seconds of footage.Many fans are already speculating that online races will allow for 16 or more human competitors (the track shows spaces for 24) but thats impossible to tell from the clip, and its arguable as to whether its even trying to hint at that. But there are some other clues about the game that seem a little more blatant. Things start off normal at first (YouTube)Is Mario Kart 9 on Nintendo Switch 2 open world?What does seem to be an obvious hint, is the implication of a larger racetrack, perhaps even an open world environment. There are ordinary, non-kart vehicles on the road and while a few older games have had courses like that they dont seem like obstacles here, but more part of the scenery.Likewise, theres a very detailed roadside diner that seems significant, while the clip ends up pointing to the horizon, where the road seems to go on forever, rather than looping back onto a traditional track.Its also criss-crossed by other dirt roads, although the race never gets that far, so you cant tell whether theyre useable. But theres certainly nothing in whats shown that looks like a traditional three lap racetrack.Theres no guarantee whats shown is even part of the final game it could just be something made up for a demo or the trailer itself but there is certainly reason to imagine that its trying something different than the usual linear courses.Whats also interesting is that the first thing the characters do is go off-road, because the road ahead is blocked off, and its noticeable that the karts seem to have much more realistic suspension than normal. The karts are clearly ready and able to traverse more difficult terrain than usual, more than youd expect for just the occasional shortcut. but wheres the actual track? (YouTube)What characters are in Mario Kart 9 for Nintendo Switch 2?Fans have previously speculated that a new game might be more of a Nintendo Kart, featuring more characters not in the various Super Mario titles, but theres no sign of that in the trailer, not even characters like Link or Isabelle who were in Mario Kart 8.More TrendingHowever, you can definitely make out Mushroom Kingdom regulars Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Donkey Kong, Toad, Yoshi, Wario, Daisy, Rosalina, Pauline, Koopa Troopa, Baby Mario, and Baby Luigi.News about Nintendo games rarely ever leaks out ahead of time, so theres nothing unofficial to suggest whether the new game will be open world or not.But given how well Mario Kart 8 Deluxe refined the classic formula of the series it does seems as if it needs a major shake-up in order for a new entry to seem worthwhile. And hopefully thats exactly what were getting.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextEmailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy