When rumors of Mario Kart news for the Nintendo Direct began to surface, most fans were expecting an announcement of Mario Kart 9. Instead, Nintendo revealed the Booster Course for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It is an impressive addition to the game, but fans who were expecting an entirely new installment were surprised, to say the least.
Of course, it isn't entirely unfair to think that an expansion to Mario Kart 8 would be unexpected. Mario Kart 8 went two years without updates, so it would not be difficult to think that there weren't many plans in place for the game. However, this isn't a complete loss for those who were hoping for Mario Kart 9. In fact, what Nintendo did announce is probably the closest thing to a new installment that could be released.
The Booster Course will add 48 new courses to Mario Kart 8 by the time each wave has been released. Considering that most installments feature 32 tracks, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe already features 48 courses, it will essentially add an entirely new game's worth of tracks to Mario Kart 8. In addition, the revealed remasters of classic Mario Kart courses will appeal to fans of the series' tradition of retro tracks. The Booster Course Pack is the biggest expansion for any Mario Kart game to date, and it is a momentous occasion for the series.
Mario Kart 9's Booster Course Is Like A Whole New Game
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling game in the Mario Kart series, so adding more content to prolong the game's longevity does make sense. Similar to what was done with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and its Fighter es, the Booster Course is taking a best-selling game and adding more content. This not only adds more value to the game's owners, but has a chance of drawing in new players as well. Considering that the list of tracks in Wave 1 of Mario Kart 8 DLC includes popular courses such as Coconut Mall and Choco Mountain have been revealed, it seems that there will be plenty for fans both old and new to enjoy from the added courses.
It is true that Mario Kart 8's new expansion is not a new installment in the Mario Kart series. It will still have the same roster as before after the Booster Course is released, and the game's mechanics will remain the same as well. However, it cannot be understated that this is still a massive addition to the series. While it may not be a new Mario Kart per se, Nintendo is effectively adding another game's worth of content. In addition, it will also be the first chance for original tracks from Mario Kart Tour to be played in the traditional Mario Kart style. Considering Mario Kart Tour's million-dollar success, this is an attraction in its own right.
Mario Kart 8's new expansion is not Mario Kart 9, but it's the next best thing. With 48 new tracks on the way, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is set to become one of Nintendo's biggest titles yet, even after its existing success. It may not have been the Mario Kart 9 announcement that people were expecting, but it is great news for Mario Kart fans regardless.
